Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Suns add Bucks All-Star in mock Ayton deal

By Luke Duffy

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 26: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball against Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the first half at Fiserv Forum on February 26, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 26: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball against Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the first half at Fiserv Forum on February 26, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 06: Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 06: Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Grade the Trade: Suns add Bucks All-Star in Ayton deal

Starting with the Trail Blazers, and there is quite a bit to like about this deal for them. Any time you lose a superstar, and in the case of Lillard the best player in franchise history, you are never going to get fair value in the moment. Moving on from an iconic stings, and it always will.

But Ayton is one of the 10 best centers in the league today. Last season he gave the Suns 18 and 10, and alongside Henderson and Anfernee Simons, that is not a bad place to start in a rebuild. Ayton would also be the oldest of the three, and that change in role may be exactly what he needs to kickstart his career.

Grayson Allen is a good shooter with a streak of toughness (and at times, dirty play…) that would be ideal for the Trail Blazers off the bench. He also represents a player who could be moved to a contender for another young player in future. Andre Jackson Jr. was a second round pick in this year’s NBA Draft – and if he is going to get playing time anywhere – it’ll be in Portland.

Grade: B

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