Proposed Blockbuster Trade Sends Deandre Ayton To The Los Angeles Clippers

Deandre Ayton could help the Los Angeles Clippers contend for a championship.

The Phoenix Suns would get much-needed depth.

Deandre Ayton could use a fresh start.

The Los Angeles Clippers are a team that is looking to compete for a championship immediately, while Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are still playing at a high level. Though many believe that they can win with their current squad, they could still make more moves to solidify their roster around their stars and improve their chances of success.

One player they could potentially target is Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton. Many view Ayton as an elite role player, and some even believe that he has a star-level upside. The Suns were notably trying to move him this past summer, and the team notably needs more depth overall. Here is a potential trade offer that sends Ayton to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Deandre Ayton

Phoenix Suns Receive: Ivica Zubac, Robert Covington, Amir Coffey, Jason Preston

This deal could obviously alter the outlook of the Western Conference, and both teams stand to benefit from a deal with this framework. Here is why this deal could work out for both teams.

The Los Angeles Clippers Add A Player With Star-Level Potential

Though Ivica Zubac is a good player, there’s no doubt that Deandre Ayton is better, and has a higher ceiling. The Los Angeles Clippers need a difference-making move to do well in the Western Conference, and perhaps moving for Ayton would constitute that.

During the 2022-23 regular season, Deandre Ayton averaged 18.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 1.7 APG for the Phoenix Suns. Many have theorized that he could become an All-Star level player given his athletic gifts and interior scoring, but he has not gotten the opportunity to be that player thus far. He would be the No. 3 option on the Los Angeles Clippers behind Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and that is a step up from being the No. 4 option on the Phoenix Suns next year.

One thing to note is that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are likely to miss some games during the 2023-24 season, and most people would agree that the duo is injury-prone. Ayton would get an opportunity to be the primary scorer in those games, which would be valuable for his development.

Another reason that Deandre Ayton could succeed on the Los Angeles Clippers is due to the presence of Russell Westbrook on the roster. Historically, Westbrook has done well with athletic centers, and perhaps he could help Ayton unlock another level to his game.

At the end of the day, the goal is to win a championship. Deandre Ayton definitely helps with that, and his talent and upside are entirely worth the gamble for the Clippers.

The Phoenix Suns Add Role Players To Fill Out Their Roster

The Phoenix Suns already have their big three on their roster, consisting of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant. They don’t necessarily need a center that will demand touches, and the key for them is surrounding their stars with role players that can fit in around them.

Ivica Zubac is a solid starting center, who has shown that he can be a complementary player that rebounds and defends. This past season, Ivica Zubac averaged 10.8 PPG, 9.9 RPG, and 1.0 APG for the Los Angeles Clippers. He is a low-maintenance player on offense and could fit in well next to three high-usage stars.

Marcus Morris isn’t the player he once was on the defensive end, but he is still a solid shooter that can score well off the bench. This past season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Morris put up 11.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 1.8 APG while shooting 36.4% from the 3PT range. He would also give the Suns some salary relief at the end of the season, as he is on an expiring contract worth around $17.1 million.

In this trade scenario, the contracts of Amir Coffey and Jason Preston would be salary filler, included to make the deal work under the CBA. However, it should be noted that Jason Preston is a solid guard prospect, and perhaps the Suns can find some minutes to help him develop.

Though the Phoenix Suns would have to part ways with a former No. 1 pick in this deal, perhaps the improved depth is worth it. Outside of Eric Gordon, the team lacks truly good role players, and this deal would let them rectify that.

A Fresh Start For Deandre Ayton, An Improved Overall Roster For The Phoenix Suns

This deal could potentially be a good proposition for everyone involved. From the Los Angeles Clippers’ perspective, they would be getting a young center with some potential upside, while offloading some players on shorter-term contracts. If Ayton can replicate his performance from the 2022-23 season next year, then this deal is already a win for the Clippers. Anything else on top of that is a bonus.

For the Phoenix Suns, this would be an opportunity to fill out their roster with veterans who are accepting of their roles, as well as getting some salary relief at the end of the season. Though Deandre Ayton was a key part of the team making the NBA Finals in the 2021 season, he doesn’t necessarily fit with this iteration of the team. Perhaps it is best for the team to let him move on, while also getting a solid return for him.

Deandre Ayton would likely welcome a trade and increased responsibility for the Los Angeles Clippers. He would be able to flourish with more touches and show that he can, in fact, be an All-Star-level player. Ayton would notably be under one of the best coaches in the league in Ty Lue as well, and perhaps Lue could help the center become truly dominant.

It remains to be seen if the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns would truly consider this deal. Of course, no trade talks between the two teams have been reported yet, but anything could happen in the future.