Despite popular belief, Deandre Ayton is a one of the better centers in the league. Any team can use his skillset and the Washington Wizards have not had a back to basket threat in a long time. What Ayton brings to the table isn’t ideal in today’s league but still very productive.
Deandre Ayton has been the starting center for the Phoenix Suns for years now, this is a team that went to the NBA Finals in 2021. The former number one pick has career averages of 16.7 points, 10.4 rebounds (3 offensive rebounds) and 1 block per game. His rebounding skills are where he makes his money, where he has never averaged less than 10 rebounds per game for a season. The last Wizards center to average 10 boards was Brendan Haywood back in 2009-10. His rebounding dominance helped him break the Suns’ franchise record for most rebounds by a rookie.
Every team needs a center who can secure a defensive possession with a rebound. The Wizards historically have had great rebounders like Wes Unseld, Walt Bellamy, Moses Malone, Jeff Ruland, Elvin Hayes, and more on the block to do the dirty work. Some may consider those the golden years for the Washington ball club. With that being said, Ayton can come in and follow in the footsteps of those greats.
How could the Wizards pull off a trade for Deandre Ayton?
Ayton’s contract is quite a hefty amount (4 years/$30,913,750) so the Wizards would have to send a bunch of players to bring the big man in. This is a trade that can happen to acquire Ayton:
The Suns would also receive Johnny Davis in addition to the haul of players they are already receiving.
The Washington Wizards should be looking for every opportunity to win and while he may not be prime Hakeem Olajuwon, trading for Deandre Ayton would be a good place to start for them.