Deandre Ayton Sends Farewell Message to Phoenix Suns

Former Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton said goodbye to the Valley after being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Ayton gave the following message on Instagram:

Phoenix,
Grateful for the journey…for the people who supported me, cheered me on, challenged me and helped me grow. To the fans, my teammates, coaches and all the Suns staff at the facility, office and arena, thank you. All love for the valley💜

Portland, LETS GO! Ready for the next chapter…excited to be a Trailblazer 📈🤞🏿#RipCity

After playing locally at Arizona in college, Ayton was the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft - Phoenix's lone pick at the top spot. His size and athleticism down low led many to believe Ayton could emerge as one of the better offensive forces around the rim, though he ultimately failed to deliver.

Ayton was included in a blockbuster deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Full trade:

Bucks receive: Damian Lillard

Trail Blazers receive: Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, 2029 1st-round pick 2 pick swaps.

Suns receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson

The Suns now have more cap flexibility on top of finally parting ways with a big man that was clearly disgruntled during his previous time in the desert. After years of speculation around Ayton's future in the Valley, his time here has finally come to an end.