Grade the trade: proposed deal lands the Wizards controversial center

As we are inching closer to the start of the regular season, trade ideas and rumors naturally begin to galore. Nothing signals that NBA basketball is back better than trade proposals that shake up the league. A trade proposed this week on X concerns both the Washington Wizards and the championship race.

In the deal, the Washington Wizards partner up with the Phoenix Suns once again for another blockbuster trade. This time, the Wizards land Deandre Ayton in exchange for Daniel Gafford, Deni Avdija, and Delon Wright.

On paper, this proposal makes some sense. The Wizards land a productive, young-ish center with upside, while the Suns add three depth pieces to their rotation. They downgrade slightly from Ayton to Gafford for the price of adding Avdija and Wright, two solid defenders who fit well around their star core of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Additionally, they move on from Ayton’s massive contract and add some financial flexibility going forward.

The trio of Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma, and Deandre Ayton is certainly interesting. Those are three 20+ points per game scorers who are either in their prime or yet to approach it. However, they also all make significant money. Paying that trio $85 million for next season is not ideal.

Yet, there is a chance that the Wizards can rehabilitate the value of all three and turn them into positive contracts. Ayton will likely look better in a Wizards uniform after an underwhelming season with the Suns last year. He will be a focal point of the offense and get more touches. This should contribute to his overall happiness and effort level. And if he is locked in, Ayton can be a productive player.

Ayton is one of the best-finishing big men in the league. He has a great touch inside the paint, he has an impressive arsenal of mid-range shots, floaters, and post-up moves. He is also a solid defender in the post, possessing a rare combination of size, strength, and lateral mobility. He is still one of the best Nikola Jokic defenders in the league. And he is only 25 years old.

Despite the big contract, he is still a valuable player. Rolling the dice on him makes some sense for a rebuilding team. It’s not like the Wizards are trying to use cap space to sign free agents to compete any time soon. Why not target overpaid but still productive and promising players?

If the price of Ayton is the expiring contracts of Delon Wright and Deni Avdija, and Daniel Gafford, this could be worth it. Avdija and Gafford have some long-term potential, but the possibility of the Wizards regretting moving on from him is low. Either of them becoming a better player than Ayton at any point in their careers seems like a long shot.

However, this doesn’t seem like the type of move the new Wizards front office would do. They will likely have more patience and prioritize financial flexibility above all else. Nevertheless, it’s still worth answering Phoenix’s call if the phone rings.

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