3 Ways the Phoenix Suns Can Trade Deandre Ayton to the Indiana Pacers

Phoenix Suns Deandre Ayton Trade to Indiana Pacers: Chris Duarte Package

This move feels almost too bold and should only be executed if the Suns feel that Ayton will become a distraction headed into next season if still on the roster. It also will require some all-time negotiating skills on James Jones’s behalf.

Chris Duarte is a Dominican hooper going into his second season of the NBA. Even as a talented two-way player, he’s shown an ability to space the floor as well. At just 25 years old, he still only has 55 games of NBA experience under his belt.

Make no mistake about it, the best is still yet to come for him.

With that, more draft capital will be required to reel in Duarte than Turner. The Pacers own their own first round pick and that of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2023 NBA Draft. They’ll certainly want to upgrade that stockpile.

If the Suns do not like the idea of playing a traditional big at the five, they might just start Dario Saric at center and simply try to swap Ayton for younger talent. If they go in that direction and still want to trade with the Pacers, Duarte is their man.