This offseason, the Phoenix Suns traded former No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton to the Portland Trail Blazers via the three-team Damian Lillard trade.
Despite the unexpected change, the 25-year-old center remains optimistic and satisfied with the move.
“I just feel like them having the power to really send me anywhere they want, they sent me where I can be valued and be appreciated and things that I wanted in my career,” Ayton said, per Arizona Republic.
Expressing his perspective on the trade, Ayton emphasized his appreciation for being valued and needed in the Portland team setup.
“They didn’t just throw me anywhere,” he said. “They threw me where guys are my age and learning good basketball and starting something new. It could’ve been worse. I really got blessed to be a part of an organization that really valued me.”
