PHOENIX — Two months into the 2024-25 NBA season – one thing is certain: The Phoenix Suns are stuck in a rut of inconsistency – especially after dropping winnable contests against the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons.
One topic of discussion that has been brought up to varying degrees over the last week is whether the Suns made the correct decision by moving on from former number 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton over a year ago.
The Suns really really really really really miss Deandre Ayton.
— JustAnAverageJoel (@ParadoxicalJoel) December 22, 2024
One could argue that the departure off of Ayton has only magnified other holes within the roster – as Ayton was a solid, if unspectacular rim protector – and a great play finisher around the rim.
Ayton has remained moderately productive in Portland as well – despite playing on a squad chalk-full of bigs. Meanwhile in Phoenix, Jusuf Nurkic has spent much of his time struggling with things that Ayton did at fairly high levels.
The other piece of the equation that could hurt is the fact that Phoenix sent Toumani Camara out in the deal as well after the Trail Blazers insisted that he be included.
Camara has been a high-impact defender since virtually game one of his career now, but his 36.4% mark from three-point range at over 4 attempts per game looms large currently.
Camara could fit in extremely nicely into the wing rotation while also further insulating potential injuries or cold stretches of play.
The one silver lining could be Grayson Allen.
The second-year Sun has become a quality rotational piece and could either continue to be that or could serve as a trade chip to upgrade the roster elsewhere.
At the end of the day, the Suns likely lost the trade. Portland and Milwaukee received the best returns in the deal, but the Suns ultimately had intangible factors such as team chemistry that had to be taken into account with Ayton – the union had run its course.
The Suns were also handicapped by the 4-year maximum offer sheet that Ayton signed with the Indiana Pacers in which they had to match.
Losing Ayton for something rather than nothing was always the right move – and his departure felt like an inevitability despite a potential talent dip in direct response to the transaction.
Nurkic will be off the books for Phoenix in the summer of 2026 – while a potential Bradley Beal trade could give the Suns the ability to maneuver the market for upgrades sooner than expected – so it could end up working out in favor of the franchise.
The Phoenix Suns shocked the NBA world by trading away former first overall pick Deandre Ayton to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for a package including Jonas Valanciunas and draft picks. Many fans and analysts are questioning whether the Suns made a mistake by parting ways with their young center.
Ayton, who was drafted in 2018, showed immense potential during his time in Phoenix. He averaged a double-double in points and rebounds last season and was a key contributor to the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals. His departure leaves a void in the Suns’ frontcourt that may be difficult to fill.
On the other hand, Valanciunas brings a veteran presence and solid production to the Suns’ lineup. He is a skilled big man who can score in the post and provide rim protection on defense. Additionally, the draft picks acquired in the trade could prove valuable in the future.
Only time will tell if the Suns made the right decision in trading Ayton. While it may seem like a risky move now, the team’s success will ultimately determine the outcome of this trade. Fans will be watching closely to see how the Suns perform without Ayton and if they can continue their success in the Western Conference.
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