After trading for Bradley Beal, it’s safe to say the Phoenix Suns are all in on the Kevin Durant era. Phoenix, to date, has never won an NBA championship and clearly wants the triumvirate of Durant, Beal, and Devin Booker to be the players who finally win one for the franchise.
Apparently, the Suns still want center Deandre Ayton to be a part of that mission, too. Never mind how tight up against the salary cap the Suns would be if they rostered Durant, Beal, Booker, and Ayton. Never mind the thin depth of such a roster after ironically watching the Denver Nuggets finally break through, thanks to their entire extended rotation. And never mind the frustrations Ayton has previously had with the Phoenix organization.
With Beal in the fold, the Suns think Ayton’s value is at an “all-time high,” according to Chris Haynes. Sure. Alright. Whatever you say, folks!
Suns believe Ayton’s value to the franchise is at an all-time high with the additions of Beal and Durant. Phoenix wants to see them play together.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 25, 2023
Why would Ayton’s value be higher with the worst player of the Suns’ new scoring trio in the fold? This, to me, sounds more like the Suns couldn’t find a trade they liked for a 24-year-old, former No. 1 overall pick that averages 18 points and 10 boards a game. Endorsing a player with a talented but inconsistent reputation like this in public screams, “We don’t like current offers.”
So, instead of punting on Ayton for additional depth and role players, they’d rather temporarily eat the loss and just see what happens — meaning, hope his value rises before the 2024 trade deadline. It’s not hard to read through this subtext. Maybe Ayton does fit better in Phoenix with Beal around. But I find that sentiment challenging to believe now that he’s the definitive fourth-scoring priority.
This was how Twitter reacted to the Suns reportedly believing Ayton's value was higher with Beal's acquisition
Betting a championship on one of the most inconsistent players I have ever seen seems bad. https://t.co/wkzZV1qIcy
— Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) June 25, 2023
Translation: The Suns can’t find a trade for Ayton and are trying desperately to motivate him through the media so he’ll play reasonably well and become tradable before next season’s deadline. https://t.co/oAE4hpB00Q
— Max (@maxmcc11) June 25, 2023
“value to the franchise is at an all-time high” is so funny. dead giveaway that they’re 100% shopping him https://t.co/GBzc9cZafp
— sreekar (@sreekyshooter) June 25, 2023
Just say you couldn’t find a deal https://t.co/JStSmBZIEM
— 🍿 (@The_6ix_man) June 25, 2023
Translation: Suns believe Ayton’s value on the market is at an all-time low. https://t.co/kudg3q6ZUJ
— Wendell Ferreira (@wendellfp) June 25, 2023
aka “please make better offers otherwise we’re stuck with him.” https://t.co/tkW0chseAA
— Mitchell Maurer (@Mitchell_NBA) June 25, 2023
“Ayton’s really good, we promise. Please trade for him so we do not have to surround KD, Book and Brad with Gleaguers” https://t.co/91uIlJsXq9
— K.C. (@Not___KC) June 25, 2023
o rly https://t.co/6i4kavxdef
— Jason Patt (@Bulls_Jay) June 25, 2023
The Suns cycle:
1) Shop Ayton
2) Receive zero interesting trade packages
3) Exclaim Ayton is a franchise cornerstone https://t.co/KbVOpJLP3Z— Protect The Paint Podcast (@ProtectPaintPod) June 25, 2023
