Phoenix Suns May Deal With Deandre Ayton If Nurkic Becomes Available
The Suns have been hesitant to break ways with the center this summer.
For the entirety of the summer, the Phoenix Suns have been averse to discussing trading Deandre Ayton, but indications indicate things may change.
The Portland Trail Blazers sending Damian Lillard away is one of the dominoes that would need to fall for it to happen. Jusuf Nurkic would become available if they chose to do so since the team would probably begin a reconstruction.
Let me address some of the Deandre Ayton rumors, wrote Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s John Gambadoro in response to the rumors.
“The Suns have not been willing to move DA all summer because they think he fits well, and there were no offers that would change that. If Nurkic was on the table, I would be surprised if the Sounds didn’t look into it.”
Why Suns fans care about Nurkic
Ayton would be included in a deal for Nurkic, and Gambadoro explains why the Suns regard the Blazers center so highly.
He wrote,
“(Suns coach Frank) Vodel needs a defensive-minded center to build his defense around, and Nurkic does fit that mold. This would be contingent on a Lillard trade, and I do expect that to happen very soon. If Nurkic was on the table, I would be surprised if the Suns didn’t look into it because an argument could be made that it is an upgrade for Phx.”
Since taking over, Vogel has lauded Ayton and said he intends to turn the 25-year-old back into an All-Star-caliber player following his recent problems.
Vogel predicted that he might become one of the league’s top centers. Even though his effort was questioned by both fans and the media, Ayton averaged 18 points on 58.9 percent shooting and 10 rebounds a game last season.
As for Nurkic, the 29-year-old’s averages from the previous season were 13.3 points and 9.1 rebounds.
