Why Deandre Ayton To The Indiana Pacers Makes A Lot Of Sense

Deandre Ayton, Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The NBA world was rocked when the Dallas Mavericks shockingly blew out the Phoenix Suns in Game 7 in the Western Conference Semifinals. Phoenix looked completely out of sorts in the game, conceding a lead of as much as 46 to Dallas.

A key note in the game was the playing time of Deandre Ayton, who appeared for only 17 minutes. Ayton has had questions circling about his contract status all season, and this abrupt end certainly did not help.

Many are now speculating Ayton may be done in Phoenix. Likely, the team will make a sign-and-trade deal to retain something of value from the center. While many teams will be interested, the Indiana Pacers make the most sense as a trade partner.

The first reason Indiana makes the most sense is that they need a star scorer – and Ayton has proved to be that. Ayton shot over 63% and averaged over 17 points this season – all without being a primary focus of the Phoenix Suns’ offense. Playing as the third option behind Booker and Paul worked fine for Ayton, but the Suns underutilized his talents.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Sign-And-Trade Packages To Send Phoenix Suns Deandre Ayton To Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers recently moved their leading scorer Domantas Sabonis to Sacramento, receiving Tyrese Haliburton in return. Haliburton is a promising young star, but more of a facilitator than a scorer. Ayton, should he join the Pacers, would immediately be the focal point of the offense. His soft touch makes him so tough to guard since he can score comfortably from anywhere on the floor within about 18 feet of the rim.

The second reason Indiana makes so much sense is Tyrese Haliburton. Ayton thrived in the pick-and-roll this postseason with CP3 as a ballhandler. Paul is one of the all-time greats when it comes to pick-and-roll navigation. Haliburton is still young, but he’s also extremely gifted in that area.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Sign-And-Trade Packages To Send Phoenix Suns Deandre Ayton To Indiana Pacers

Haliburton averaged 9.6 assists in his 26 games in Indiana. That figure would’ve made him fourth in the entire NBA if it were his season-long average. Ayton would thrive sharing the court with Haliburton, as he’d receive passes from all imaginable angles.

The Indiana Pacers finished the season without a go-to big man. And still, Haliburton put up staggering assist numbers. A duo of Ayton and Haliburton would make for elite offense and would help Indiana return to postseason form.

The final reason Indiana would be a perfect trade partner is that they could provide a fair and enticing return to Phoenix. A deal around Myles Turner and Buddy Hield is one that Phoenix should be quick to jump on.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Sign-And-Trade Packages To Send Phoenix Suns Deandre Ayton To Indiana Pacers

Turner represents a great substitute, should Phoenix lose Ayton. Myles Turner is one of the league’s best shot-blockers, finding himself among the league leaders in blocks per game every year. Turner also brings a scoring versatility similar to Ayton. At a 34.9% career percentage, Turner is one of the best three-point shooting centers in the league.

Speaking of great three-point shooters, the addition of Buddy Hield to this deal makes it a no-brainer for Phoenix. Hield has a skillset that any contender needs – he’s one of the league’s best volume three-point shooters. The top all-time 3-point marks in a season belong mostly to stars – Curry, Harden, Paul George – but right up there is Hield.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Sign-And-Trade Packages To Send Phoenix Suns Deandre Ayton To Indiana Pacers

A knockdown three-point shooter would be a great return for the Phoenix Suns, who struggled to find offense in their Game 7 collapse.

Ayton would be a perfect fit for Indiana – but Indiana could also provide perfect fit players to Phoenix. I’m not sure Phoenix could find a better return for their star center. This deal would shake things up for both teams, but it’s the right move for all parties involved.

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