Nov 30, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) against Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Suns are reportedly exploring trading Deandre Ayton, at the same time as they seek a solution for Chris Paul. These three deals could solve a lot of their problems.
News that the Suns were considering waiving Chris Paul, along with considering trades for him, added some early chaos to the NBA offseason rumor mill. The follow-up that they were also looking to trade Deandre Ayton was less surprising but potentially even more significant.
The Suns are absolutely looking to content next season so any transactions involving Paul or Ayton have to add talent and depth, or the financial flexibility to do the same. We haven’t heard a ton of buzz on which teams are interested in Ayton but based on teams that were interested at the deadline or last summer, and teams whose rosters just make sense, here are a few deals that could help everyone.
3. Trade Deandre Ayton to the Golden State Warriors
Suns Get
Jordan Poole
Warriors Get
Deandre Ayton
The Ayton for Poole hypothetical started popping off almost before the Warriors were even eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers. Poole had a disastrous postseason and has since been publicly shaded by Steve Kerr for complaining about playing time. The two have salaries that are similar enough that they could be traded for each other, one-for-one, allowing each team to sweep away their problems in a single swoop.
In a vacuum, the deal makes a lot of sense. The Warriors get a potential defensive anchor, and a very different kind of offensive weapon to add versatility to their system. On the other hand, they already have Kevon Looney and Draymond Green and while they could use another big man, spending $30+ million on that position for the next three years may not be the best resource allocation.
For the Suns, Poole would be a nice boost to the second unit with his shooting and secondary creation and has experience playing off other dynamic offensive threats like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. But he’s also not a Chris Paul replacement which means the Suns would have to use whatever salary cap space they get from trading or waiving Paul to now replace a starting point guard and a starting center. In addition, the Suns have to be wary of trading for Poole given how badly he struggled in this postseason.
So, it works in theory, but I think there are likely better options for both teams.