Ayton toured the facility along with rookie Toumani Camara, also acquired in Wednesday’s three-team deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks and Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson to the Phoenix Suns. After seeing his locker marked with “2 Deandre Ayton,” the No. 1-overall pick in the 2018 draft said: “I feel like I just got drafted.”
Source: Aaron Fentress @ Oregonian
Source: Aaron Fentress @ Oregonian
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Seen Heat fans discuss the Blazers trade package as worse than what the Heat were offering. We will see what happens with Jrue, but I think it will end up being way better.
Ayton is a way better fit than Herro (and a better player imo)
2029 Bucks pick is an elite draft asset… – 1:11 PM
Seen Heat fans discuss the Blazers trade package as worse than what the Heat were offering. We will see what happens with Jrue, but I think it will end up being way better.
Ayton is a way better fit than Herro (and a better player imo)
2029 Bucks pick is an elite draft asset… – 1:11 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Seen Heat fans discuss the Blazers trade package as worse we will see what happens with Jrue, but I think it will end up being way better.
Ayton is a way better fit than Herro (and a better player imo)
2029 Bucks pick is an elite draft asset
Neither Jovic nor Jaquez are… – 1:10 PM
Seen Heat fans discuss the Blazers trade package as worse we will see what happens with Jrue, but I think it will end up being way better.
Ayton is a way better fit than Herro (and a better player imo)
2029 Bucks pick is an elite draft asset
Neither Jovic nor Jaquez are… – 1:10 PM
Eric Patten @EricPatten
2020-21: Ayton-Bridges-Crowder-Booker-Paul-Cam Johnson
2023-24: Nurkic-Durant-Beal-Okogie-Booker-Gordon
We sure the Suns are better? – 12:34 AM
2020-21: Ayton-Bridges-Crowder-Booker-Paul-Cam Johnson
2023-24: Nurkic-Durant-Beal-Okogie-Booker-Gordon
We sure the Suns are better? – 12:34 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
An ode to the polarizing, complicated Suns legacy of Deandre Ayton – bit.ly/3RECBFP via @PHNX_Suns pic.twitter.com/bMYbvMxh61 – 8:02 PM
An ode to the polarizing, complicated Suns legacy of Deandre Ayton – bit.ly/3RECBFP via @PHNX_Suns pic.twitter.com/bMYbvMxh61 – 8:02 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Phoenix Suns enter training camp with serious talent, major questions after trading Deandre Ayton #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/JszCyDK6rs – 5:28 PM
Phoenix Suns enter training camp with serious talent, major questions after trading Deandre Ayton #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/JszCyDK6rs – 5:28 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
On the highs and lows of Deandre Ayton, the reasons he and the Suns needed a fresh start, and the complicated, polarizing legacy he leaves behind: bit.ly/3RECBFP pic.twitter.com/MhELK4ouAY – 3:09 PM
On the highs and lows of Deandre Ayton, the reasons he and the Suns needed a fresh start, and the complicated, polarizing legacy he leaves behind: bit.ly/3RECBFP pic.twitter.com/MhELK4ouAY – 3:09 PM
Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
Deandre Ayton has arrived in Portland 👀
(Via @trailblazers)
pic.twitter.com/Th1ovorQzn – 2:28 PM
Deandre Ayton has arrived in Portland 👀
(Via @trailblazers)
pic.twitter.com/Th1ovorQzn – 2:28 PM
Patrick Beverley @patbev21
It’s still smoke with Ayton, but I have a feeling he go cook in Portland – 2:15 PM
It’s still smoke with Ayton, but I have a feeling he go cook in Portland – 2:15 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
For the people still wondering why the Suns traded Deandre Ayton, I think they had a fundamental difference of opinion that goes back to 2021.
We talked about that and a lot more on the latest @PHNX_Suns pod: link.chtbl.com/PHNXSuns pic.twitter.com/TNqYmVeo7E – 1:04 PM
For the people still wondering why the Suns traded Deandre Ayton, I think they had a fundamental difference of opinion that goes back to 2021.
We talked about that and a lot more on the latest @PHNX_Suns pod: link.chtbl.com/PHNXSuns pic.twitter.com/TNqYmVeo7E – 1:04 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
New for @YahooSports: Not many former No. 1 picks are 20-10 threats every night and in need of a fresh start. But that’s where Deandre Ayton comes in, and why the Blazers feel he’ll pan out sports.yahoo.com/deandre-ayton-… – 1:03 PM
New for @YahooSports: Not many former No. 1 picks are 20-10 threats every night and in need of a fresh start. But that’s where Deandre Ayton comes in, and why the Blazers feel he’ll pan out sports.yahoo.com/deandre-ayton-… – 1:03 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
No matter where you stand, Deandre Ayton is one of the most polarizing players in Suns history. For @PHNX_Suns, I wrote about his time here, why it came to this unceremonious end, and the complicated legacy he leaves behind: bit.ly/3RECBFP pic.twitter.com/YZb8WeiOfh – 11:02 AM
No matter where you stand, Deandre Ayton is one of the most polarizing players in Suns history. For @PHNX_Suns, I wrote about his time here, why it came to this unceremonious end, and the complicated legacy he leaves behind: bit.ly/3RECBFP pic.twitter.com/YZb8WeiOfh – 11:02 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
From Thursday:
Phoenix Suns to face Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers twice in preseason tinyurl.com/bda7zf7x
Ayton thanks supporters, Suns after trade tinyurl.com/mpfmsv7b
Opinion: Why Suns trading Ayton is best thing for him tinyurl.com/yzmjm5ez #Suns #RipCity pic.twitter.com/JBYtnXgr5S – 10:18 AM
From Thursday:
Phoenix Suns to face Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers twice in preseason tinyurl.com/bda7zf7x
Ayton thanks supporters, Suns after trade tinyurl.com/mpfmsv7b
Opinion: Why Suns trading Ayton is best thing for him tinyurl.com/yzmjm5ez #Suns #RipCity pic.twitter.com/JBYtnXgr5S – 10:18 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“All love for the Valley”: Deandre Ayton thanks supporters, Phoenix Suns on social media after trade to Portland Trail Blazers #Suns #RipCity azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 11:32 PM
“All love for the Valley”: Deandre Ayton thanks supporters, Phoenix Suns on social media after trade to Portland Trail Blazers #Suns #RipCity azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 11:32 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
I will say, too, on Ayton: going back and watching basically every minute he played in the playoffs last year yesterday, I thought his ball-screen defense was better than what I remembered. He got cooked by Jokic and wasn’t good enough at rim, but I thought in space he was okay. – 11:24 PM
I will say, too, on Ayton: going back and watching basically every minute he played in the playoffs last year yesterday, I thought his ball-screen defense was better than what I remembered. He got cooked by Jokic and wasn’t good enough at rim, but I thought in space he was okay. – 11:24 PM
Dwight Jaynes @dwightjaynes
bit.ly/3UJvvOU
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton and his mom are bringing a family recipe to Phoenix restaurants — Andscape – 9:54 PM
bit.ly/3UJvvOU
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton and his mom are bringing a family recipe to Phoenix restaurants — Andscape – 9:54 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Opinion: Why Phoenix Suns trading Deandre Ayton to Portland Trail Blazers is best thing for him (w/video) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/eaUhNpny1d – 7:35 PM
Opinion: Why Phoenix Suns trading Deandre Ayton to Portland Trail Blazers is best thing for him (w/video) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/eaUhNpny1d – 7:35 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
I explained why I’m skeptical on replacing Ayton with Nurkic overall for Phoenix, but I will say this: I think the Suns’ offense will run more smoothly with Nurkic. His passing, screening, and playmaking in short rolls is a huge upgrade they needed
theathletic.com/4906848/2023/0… pic.twitter.com/3iXmZpJ2lk – 7:02 PM
I explained why I’m skeptical on replacing Ayton with Nurkic overall for Phoenix, but I will say this: I think the Suns’ offense will run more smoothly with Nurkic. His passing, screening, and playmaking in short rolls is a huge upgrade they needed
theathletic.com/4906848/2023/0… pic.twitter.com/3iXmZpJ2lk – 7:02 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
We’re going live on @PHNX_Suns to talk about why the Suns traded Deandre Ayton, what to expect from Jusuf Nurkic and Nassir Little, and plenty more! Come hang out:
youtube.com/watch?v=Coqip6… pic.twitter.com/hb2EGjZevh – 5:57 PM
We’re going live on @PHNX_Suns to talk about why the Suns traded Deandre Ayton, what to expect from Jusuf Nurkic and Nassir Little, and plenty more! Come hang out:
youtube.com/watch?v=Coqip6… pic.twitter.com/hb2EGjZevh – 5:57 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
I dove deep into the Damian Lillard trade from all three teams’ angles.
-Why Lillard is a substantial upgrade for MIL.
-Why I like the return for POR
-I tried to make sense of the Suns wanting Nurkic over Ayton even if I disagree
theathletic.com/4906848/2023/0… pic.twitter.com/XTL8lt8Vh8 – 4:09 PM
I dove deep into the Damian Lillard trade from all three teams’ angles.
-Why Lillard is a substantial upgrade for MIL.
-Why I like the return for POR
-I tried to make sense of the Suns wanting Nurkic over Ayton even if I disagree
theathletic.com/4906848/2023/0… pic.twitter.com/XTL8lt8Vh8 – 4:09 PM
Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
The Blazers need Deandre Ayton to turn around his career like Lauri Markkanen did when he arrived in Utah last season.
Underachieving players definitely can mature. pic.twitter.com/vMMox50Ri6 – 2:37 PM
The Blazers need Deandre Ayton to turn around his career like Lauri Markkanen did when he arrived in Utah last season.
Underachieving players definitely can mature. pic.twitter.com/vMMox50Ri6 – 2:37 PM
Kerry Eggers @kerryeggers
More BetOnline.ag odds:
@Dame_Lillard PPG over/under in 2023-24: 28 1/2.
Deandre Ayton PPG over/under: 18 1/2.
Scoot Henderson PPG over-under: 16 1/2. – 12:57 PM
More BetOnline.ag odds:
@Dame_Lillard PPG over/under in 2023-24: 28 1/2.
Deandre Ayton PPG over/under: 18 1/2.
Scoot Henderson PPG over-under: 16 1/2. – 12:57 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
On the latest @PHNX_Suns pod, we talked about the highs and lows of Deandre Ayton, the potential benefits and shortcomings of yesterday’s Suns trade, why this deal might have happened and a whole lot more!
Full episode: link.chtbl.com/PHNXSuns pic.twitter.com/ZRbzZ7jyu4 – 12:06 PM
On the latest @PHNX_Suns pod, we talked about the highs and lows of Deandre Ayton, the potential benefits and shortcomings of yesterday’s Suns trade, why this deal might have happened and a whole lot more!
Full episode: link.chtbl.com/PHNXSuns pic.twitter.com/ZRbzZ7jyu4 – 12:06 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
3 takeaways from the Suns’ Deandre Ayton trade – bit.ly/3EWdE1e via @PHNX_Suns pic.twitter.com/OhuxRGD5td – 11:02 AM
3 takeaways from the Suns’ Deandre Ayton trade – bit.ly/3EWdE1e via @PHNX_Suns pic.twitter.com/OhuxRGD5td – 11:02 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Phoenix Suns to face Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers twice in preseason, first regular season matchup Nov. 21 in Phoenix #Suns #RipCity azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 10:30 AM
Phoenix Suns to face Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers twice in preseason, first regular season matchup Nov. 21 in Phoenix #Suns #RipCity azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 10:30 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
From Wednesday:
Deandre Ayton era over in Phoenix: Suns trade big to Blazers, Damian Lillard headed to Bucks tinyurl.com/5cw6ucym
‘They clearly just wanted to get rid of him’: Charles Barkley on Suns trading Deandre Ayton (w/video) #Suns #RipCity tinyurl.com/2s4ya33r – 10:03 AM
From Wednesday:
Deandre Ayton era over in Phoenix: Suns trade big to Blazers, Damian Lillard headed to Bucks tinyurl.com/5cw6ucym
‘They clearly just wanted to get rid of him’: Charles Barkley on Suns trading Deandre Ayton (w/video) #Suns #RipCity tinyurl.com/2s4ya33r – 10:03 AM
More on this storyline
The view around the league is the Blazers see Deandre Ayton in the vein of a top-five center in the league, and a valuable asset particularly at his age. Lopez and Nikola Vučević may beg to differ on the top-five list, and certainly Anthony Davis would if he classified himself as a center (he doesn’t). -via Yahoo! Sports / September 30, 2023
Ayton could certainly play with more force on both ends, be more assertive and presumably, he can be coached up in his new surroundings. The things that can’t be taught, he possesses: touch around the rim with both hands, a reliable 15-foot jumper and a really good foul shooter for someone his size (75% for his career). -via Yahoo! Sports / September 30, 2023
As has been the case since he bought the team in February, Mat Ishbia, I’m told, was very involved in this deal. Phoenix not only wanted more depth, but also players who they believed were a better fit for their Devin Booker-Kevin Durant-Bradley Beal trio. Nurkic, the 29-year-old big man who is signed through the 2025-26 campaign, was a longtime target on that front, who they’re thrilled to have landed. -via The Athletic / September 29, 2023
