3 teams that should try buying low with Deandre Ayton trade

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Oct 21, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket during the second half against Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) at Moda Center. The Trail Blazers won the game in overtime 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard has made clear he prefers the Trail Blazers to trade their picks for immediate help. And while Deandre Ayton might not be exactly what he has in mind, this could out well for both sides.

The Trail Blazers could arrange a side-and-trade with either Matisse Thybulle or Cam Reddish and roll them into a deal with Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little and either or both of their first-round picks this year, depending of course on where they land in the lottery. The Suns would get a decent defensive presence to replace Ayton, some added wing depth and a chance to refill their war chest of draft picks after the Durant deal. They could then try to spin off Chris Paul in a separate deal for a point guard replacement.

Ayton would be a huge upgrade over Nurkic, even if he’s not quite as solid a defensive anchor. But Ayton, Anfernee Simons, Lillard, a re-signed Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe feels like a competitive starting lineup to chase a playoff spot with.

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