Washington Wizards: Four trades that could net them an exciting young player
By Cem Yolbulan
Wizards receive: Deandre Ayton
Suns receive: Delon Wright, Danilo Gallinari, Daniel Gafford
The Phoenix Suns are in need of depth and have shown a willingness to trade away Deandre Ayton to achieve that. In this deal, they would get three rotation players to solve their depth issue, while Washington gets a two-way center with a high upside.
Ayton needs a change of scenery and a fresh start more than any player in the league. He is a very talented player with a lot of potential, but his relationship with the Suns organization has severed to a point of no return. Trading him might be the only option.
However, his contract that’s paying him $32.4 million for next season makes him difficult to trade. The Wizards, on the other hand, may be willing to pay him that salary.
Deandre Ayton would immediately raise the ceiling of this Wizards team. He is still only 24 years old, one of the best interior scorers in the league, and a solid defender. He can be rehabilitated in a different situation and look a lot better in a different uniform. He still managed to average 18 points and 10 rebounds with very good efficiency last season.
In return, the Wizards send Wright, Gallinari, and Gafford to Phoenix. Wright and Gafford can start next to Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant, while Gallinari can provide size and shooting off the bench. Considering Phoenix’s lack of established two-way playoff players, Wright and Gafford could be especially helpful for their playoff hopes.
Breaking up Ayton’s contract into three separate deals also makes financial sense for them, creating much-needed flexibility in their books.