One NBA writer is proposing that the Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks execute a trade this summer centered around center Deandre Ayton.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Suns send Ayton and shooting guard Landry Shamet to the Hawks for big man Clint Capela and small forward Bogdan Bogdanovic.
“Ayton can thrive in Atlanta, playing pick-and-roll off of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray all game long while expanding his overall game," Swartz writes. "Shamet gives this roster more shooting around the star guards as well.”
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, the Suns — who lost to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals in six games — are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for Ayton this offseason. Ayton was the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Arizona.
Apparently, some of Ayton’s teammates in Phoenix are frustrated with him.
“Sources told ESPN that Ayton’s teammates have shared their coach’s frustration with what they perceive to be inconsistent effort and aggression from the 7-footer,” MacMahon reported. “Ayton would be excited about a fresh start with another franchise, sources told ESPN. The Suns are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for him this summer, league sources said.”
Ayton averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds during the 2022-23 regular season. He projects to be a good fit next to Hawks stars Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Atlanta should seriously consider trading for Ayton, who could use a change of scenery.
The Hawks lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs in six games. They haven’t gotten past the first round since reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
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