It’s been over a year since the Phoenix Suns traded Deandre Ayton in a three-team deal involving the Portland Trail Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks, occurring just before the commencement of training camp. This significant trade brought together talents like Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, alongside a mix of players and draft picks.
The question arises: who truly won the trade?
If we assess on a technical level, the Boston Celtics seem to have emerged as the winners. Shortly after the trade, they managed to acquire Holiday from Portland, sending Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, and two draft picks. Holiday played a pivotal role in leading the Celtics to their 18th NBA title, setting a new record for the league.
However, the Bucks made a considerable splash by securing Lillard, an iconic player who earned his spot on the NBA’s 75th-anniversary team. The Blazers received Ayton, the top overall pick from the 2018 draft, along with promising assets like Toumani Camara and additional draft picks. The Suns completed the trade with acquisitions that included Nassir Little, Keon Johnson, and Nurkic, in addition to Grayson Allen.
Initially, it appeared Milwaukee had the upper hand, but the results have led to more complex interpretations. Currently, the Suns hold a better record (4-1) compared to the Blazers (2-3) and the Bucks, whose performance has faltered significantly this season.
Upon examining the outcomes, it might be fair to say no team has definitively lost or won the deal. For Milwaukee, the partnership between Lillard and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was anticipated as groundbreaking. Yet, the duo has struggled to establish a consistent rhythm on the court. Following the firing of Adrian Griffin, who held a solid record of 30-13, the Bucks faced an early elimination in the playoffs. This year, they’ve started poorly at 1-4, raising questions about their potential.
As for Portland, Ayton’s transition has not been smooth either. Initially greeted with excitement, his performance has been underwhelming, marked by inconsistency. Although the Blazers drafted promising young talent in Scoot Henderson, Ayton’s contributions have fluctuated, leading to mixed results. Nevertheless, rising star Camara seems to be a solid acquisition, demonstrating intensity and promise on the roster.
On the Suns’ front, while the initial playoff performance left much to be desired after a first-round sweep by the Timberwolves, they have shown strength in depth this season. Although they lost some key players in the process, they have managed to cultivate a manageable roster under new coach Mike Budenholzer, giving more freedom to Nurkic—a player who had previously struggled to find his footing.
Looking ahead, there’s room for optimism across all three teams. The dynamics of the NBA can shift dramatically with the right adjustments, and while there are questions surrounding each team’s performance, the season is still young.
In summary, while the trade’s immediate impacts may not yield clear victors or vanquished, it’s an evolving situation that could see a shift as each team continues to adapt and grow throughout the season. There’s always the possibility for one of these teams to rise much stronger as the year goes on, providing a hopeful outlook for fans and organizations alike.