Deandre Ayton Trade: A Year Later Review

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Post on Nov 02, 2024

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Deandre Ayton Trade: A Year Later, Who Won?

It's been a year since the Deandre Ayton trade sent shockwaves through the NBA. The Phoenix Suns, after a disastrous 2022 Finals, dealt their star center to the Indiana Pacers for a package that included the promising Tyrese Haliburton. The move was controversial then, and it's still debated today. So, one year later, who came out on top?

Suns Feeling the Ayton Absence

Let's be real, the Suns haven't been the same without Ayton. Sure, they made the playoffs last season, but they looked like a shadow of their former selves. Kevin Durant, the superstar they acquired after Ayton's departure, was a walking bucket, but the team lacked that inside presence that Ayton provided.

The Suns struggled to dominate the paint, and their rebounding took a nosedive. Even with Durant's scoring prowess, the Suns couldn't quite reach the same level of success. Losing Ayton, a young and talented center, felt like losing a piece of their identity. And let's not forget, the Suns are stuck with a huge hole in their salary cap thanks to the massive extension Ayton signed just before the trade.

The Pacers' Big Bet Paying Off

On the flip side, the Pacers have been a pleasant surprise. The addition of Haliburton, a rising star point guard, was a huge win for Indiana. He's led the Pacers to their best season in years, and they look like a real contender in the East. Ayton, meanwhile, has continued to be a force in the paint.

He's been a key component of the Pacers' resurgence, showing the league that he's more than just a "low-post, back-to-the-basket" center. He's shown a developing offensive game, including a sweet mid-range jumper. The Pacers look like they're building something special, and Ayton is a key part of their future.

The Verdict? It's Still Too Early

The Deandre Ayton trade remains a hot topic. While the Pacers have shown improvement, it's still too early to definitively declare them the winners. The Suns, on the other hand, are still trying to find their footing after a disappointing season.

But one thing's for sure: both teams are in a very different place than they were a year ago. The trade has brought change, excitement, and a whole lot of questions for both the Pacers and the Suns. The next couple of years will be crucial in determining who truly came out on top.