Hawks Urged To Trade For Blazers’ Deandre Ayton: ‘Playing With Trae Young Could Unlock New Parts Of His Game’

One NBA analyst has urged the Atlanta Hawks to trade for Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton. 

Ben Stinar of SI believes the Hawks should acquire Ayton, the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. 

“I believe the Hawks should try to land Ayton in a trade with the Trail Blazers,” Stinar wrote. “The Trail Blazers are one of the worst teams in the NBA and are coming off a season where they were the 15th seed with a 21-61 record. Ayton still has two years and $80 million left on his contract, and he doesn’t make sense on a rebuilding roster. A potential trade could be centered around the Hawks sending the Trail Blazers Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr.

“The Trail Blazers would get two expiring contracts that they could flip for assets. On the other hand, the Hawks would be taking a low-risk chance on a player who has not lived up to his potential. At just 26, Ayton is hitting the prime of his career, and playing with All-Star point guard Trae Young could unlock new parts of his offensive game. The Hawks are a team that is trying to win, and Ayton would have the ability to help them get back to the NBA playoffs in 2025.”

Ayton averaged 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks for the Blazers in 2023-24 while shooting 57.0% from the field and 82.3% from the foul line. The big man had 32 double-doubles. 

The Blazers acquired Ayton from the Phoenix Suns in 2023. Ayton has career averages of 16.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.0 blocks with the Suns and Blazers.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Blazers could trade Ayton in 2024-25.

Portland drafted Donovan Clingan with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. 

“At some point, the Blazers and Ayton are expected to part ways, sources said, yet the former first overall pick doesn’t command a market at this time,” Siegel reported. “Ayton, who is in the third year of his four-year contract, will be making $34 million this upcoming year. He will make $35.5 million during the 2025-26 season, which is the final year of his contract with Portland. The Blazers still value Ayton as one of the veteran leaders of the team, sources said, which is why it is unlikely they will push for a trade involving the center right now.”