3 former Suns who have seriously struggled since leaving The Valley

It might not seem like it right now as a result of have three superstars and being stuck in the second apron, but there was a time not so long ago when roster turnover was a lot higher for the Phoenix Suns. Not only that, but three years ago they were in the NBA Finals with a team made up of now departed players, with the exception of Devin Booker.

While the Suns haven't been known for their ability to draft well outside of Booker in the last decade - although they're trying to change that perception this year - they have gotten the better of some other franchises when it comes to trade. Like it or not, the Suns are a better team now because they managed to get both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in this way.

But of all of the players who have departed The Valley since 2020, some of them have taken a notable nosedive in their careers.

Really this list could go on and on, but the following three players have failed to replicate the form they showed in Phoenix, and in the case of one player it cost them their spot in the league altogether.

3. Deandre Ayton

No surprises to see center Deandre Ayton appear here, although he may not be on lists such as this one for much longer. One year removed from the Suns trading the former first overall pick for Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson, and it is clear they won that trade.

The antics of Ayton with the Portland Trail Blazers throughout a rebuilding campaign for them enough for Suns fans to be happy to have seen the back of the player. In the run to the 2021 Finals he was a beast, dilligently working inside the paint and doing all of the dirty work required to win. That player hasn't been seen since though, which is why the Suns were right to move on from him.

Yet Ayton ended his first season in Portland strong, looking like the Ayton of old after the All-Star break. Still only 25-years-old, Ayton did his draft stock no harm in how he dominated some games for the Trail Blazers, even if a lot of them ended up being losses anyway.

But when you consider he was an integral part of a team that made it to the Finals, there is no doubt Ayton's career has been on the slide since leaving Phoenix. Had he accepted his role he could have still been there now, and it remains to be seen if he'll ever reach those heights again. You can bet he'll be given plenty of chances though, such is the skill set and body type he possesses.