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NBA Trades: 3 sign-and-trades for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns

By Jack Simone

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 08: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 08, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 08: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 08, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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NBA Trades, Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 24: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Cody Zeller #40 of the Charlotte Hornets jump for the opening tip during the first half of the NBA game at Phoenix Suns Arena on February 24, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona, NBA Trades: 3 sign-and-trades for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades: 3 sign-and-trades for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns: Charlotte Hornets and Houston Rockets

Suns receive: Christian Wood, Kelly Oubre Jr.

Hornets receive: Deandre Ayton

Rockets receive: PJ Washington, Pick #15 2022 NBA Draft, 2026 Second-Round Pick (via CHA)

Let’s get crazy.

This deal is a three-teamer involving the Charlotte Hornets and Houston Rockets. Deandre Ayton would land in Charlotte while the Suns and Rockets would get a couple of valuable pieces.

Ayton would thrive next to LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. That young trio would be one of the best in the league, and Ayton would solve Charlotte’s center problems.

Meanwhile, Phoenix would be getting Christian Wood to replace Ayton in the starting lineup. He’s likely a slight downgrade, but after two successful years in Wood, the big man has proven to be valuable.

In addition, the Suns would get Kelly Oubre Jr. back after a two-year absence. Oubre Jr. enjoyed the best season of his career in Phoenix, and in his return, he’d be a valuable piece of the bench.

Lastly, the Rockets would be getting back PJ Washington in the deal, who would enjoy an expanded role in Houston, but the big prizes for them would be the picks. They’d be getting the 15th-overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, as well as a future second.

Charlotte already has two first-rounders this year, so trading one wouldn’t be that big of a deal for them, especially for a guy like Ayton. For Houston, this would allow them to add to their already-growing young core.

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