Suns: Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder Listed as 'Dream Trade Targets' for Other Teams

The Phoenix Suns have two viable trade targets for teams to seek this offseason, according to Bleacher Report.

While the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics look to battle it out in the NBA Finals, the other 28 teams in the league have already gotten a head start on the 2022 offseason.

The Phoenix Suns, like every other team, arrive to this point in the process with questions on how they can once again be in the position to fight for a championship, something they've yet to capture despite making the NBA Finals on three occasions. 

Most of the discourse will take place around center Deandre Ayton, a restricted free agent who has steadily improved since being drafted with the No. 1 pick but has fallen out of the good graces of Suns fans with his lack of effort and reported Game 7 drama between he and Phoenix coach Monty Williams. 

Various scenarios could happen with Ayton in the coming months, but the general consensus is if he does indeed part ways with the Suns, Phoenix will at least get something in return via trade. 

Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley recently put together a list of dream trade targets for every NBA team, and of course, Ayton was one of a handful of names thanks to his youth, potential and availability for next year.

However, Ayton isn't the only member of the Suns to find themselves on the list. Forward Jae Crowder was also named as a dream target for one team, although his trade value isn't nearly as high as Ayton's. 

However you split it, certain teams around the league would love to have Ayton/Crowder on their roster. 

Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder Listed as Dream Trade Targets

Charlotte Hornets: Deandre Ayton

Reasoning:

"Credit the Charlotte Hornets for bringing the buzz back to Buzz City. But for Charlotte to really take flight—this club landed 10th in the Eastern Conference this season and last—it must fix its long-standing problems at center.

"Rudy Gobert could be a great get as an interior anchor and lob finisher. Myles Turner is sure to intrigue the front office with his combination of shot blocking and outside shooting. Still, no one should draw more consideration from Charlotte than Deandre Ayton, the top pick from 2018 who is the perfect age to grow alongside LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges.

"Ayton is an impending restricted free agent, and the Phoenix Suns surely aren't eager to let him go. Then again, they previously balked at paying him max money and basically went without him in their biggest game of the season. Perhaps the right combination of assets could convince Phoenix to cut ties, and if Charlotte agrees he's the best option to fill its hole at the 5, then it should push hard to get a sign-and-trade done."

Denver Nuggets: Jae Crowder

Reasoning: 

"Sorry, Nuggets faithful, if Jae Crowder doesn't carry quite as much sizzle as you might seek from a dream trade target. However, with max contracts already on the books for Nikola Jokic (which will soon expand to a supermax), Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., there is only so much more that Denver can afford to splurge.

"Shoring up the wing spots with a three-and-D ace in Crowder could make all the sense in the world. He would immediately increase the team's toughness, defensive versatility and outside shooting (36.9 percent since the start of last season). He would also hit the Rockies with more than 100 playoff outings, experience that could be invaluable for a club looking to make the leap from contender to heavyweight champion.

"The Suns could feel a financial squeeze this summer, as Deandre Ayton heads into restricted free agency and Cam Johnson becomes extension-eligible. It's at least feasible that the squeeze gets tight enough to force out Crowder, who will turn 32 this summer and isn't signed beyond next season."

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