Kofi Inkoom
In his recent article, 1 Trade for Every NBA Team a Month Before New Season, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report suggests that the Phoenix Suns should trade Deandre Ayton to the Charlotte Hornets.
Recent trade rumors have intensified discussions about Ayton’s potential move, particularly as the Suns are now linked as a possible fourth team in a complex trade scenario for Damian Lillard.
Many speculate that Ayton could be the pivotal piece in this intricate trade puzzle. The Suns had previously entertained the idea of trading the former No. 1 draft pick but appeared to change their stance during the summer, declaring him off-limits.
This decision came after a busy offseason where the Suns underwent significant changes to both their roster and coaching staff in search of brighter prospects.
Currently, there’s renewed interest in Deandre Ayton trade possibilities, and the most recent proposal hails from Bleacher Report, designating the Charlotte Hornets as the preferred destination in the pursuit of Ayton.
The Deal:
– Deandre Ayton traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
– In return, Gordon Hayward, Nick Richards, and a 2026 first-round draft pick are offered.
“Thanks to provisions in the new collective bargaining agreement, Phoenix is seriously incentivized to turn Ayton into multiple players this season, and the Charlotte Hornets should be interested “ – Andy Bailey wrote
“Charlotte has been in need of a consistent 5 for years, and though Mark Williams showed some potential last season, we already know Ayton is a borderline 20-10 guy who’s only three years older than LaMelo Ball. Together, those two could develop into one of the best inside-out duos in the league. And if surrounded by plenty of shooters (like Brandon Miller), the Hornets could push for a playoff spot as early as this season.”
“For Phoenix, this not only moves a player who may not want to be there (especially when he sees all the shots Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are about to take), but it also beefs up a rotation currently populated almost entirely by minimum-contract players.”
“Gordon Hayward is on an expiring contract, so there isn’t a huge commitment there. And with his experience and outside shooting ability, he should be happy to be a gap-filler and floor-spacer for the superstars.”
“Nick Richards, meanwhile, would give the Suns a young-ish (he’ll be 26 in November) 5 who’ll be more content to do the dirty work for a top-heavy roster than Ayton was.”
Meanwhile, Gambo presents an alternative idea, proposing that the Phoenix Suns consider acquiring Jusuf Nurkić from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Deandre Ayton. Now, it’s over to the Suns’ fans—what’s your take on this?