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5 Instant reactions to Phoenix Suns finally moving Ayton in blockbuster trade

By Michael Saenz

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 27: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz during the first half at Vivint Arena on March 27, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 27: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz during the first half at Vivint Arena on March 27, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Phoenix Suns Deandre Ayton (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

No. 4. The Phoenix Suns may have given up too early on Deandre Ayton

Even though Deandre Ayton was quite disappointing for the Phoenix Suns last season, especially in the playoffs, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about trading away an incredibly talented big man at 25 years old. Let’s say it out loud: the Suns traded Ayton for Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Grayson Allen, and Keon Johnson. Yikes. For as “bad” as Ayton was in spurts last season for Phoenix, this deal has to be the definition of taking pennies on the dollar for a former No. 1 overall pick.

Ayton averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds on 59 percent shooting from the field last season for Phoenix. He’s a good player whose trade value was in a bad place. Even though the Suns are all-in on winning a championship this season, this deal feels like it was rushed. After missing the opportunity to trade him at the NBA Draft or earlier in the offseason, it seems as if the Suns did this move just to get him off the team. And I can’t help but feel as if it might end up being a mistake.

Ayton is not a perfect player, far from that. But with the new coaching staff, with Frank Vogel at the helm, I think Phoenix may have missed an opportunity to give him a fresh start with the team.

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