Hawks to Trade for Blazers’ Key Center to Boost Game with Trae Young

An NBA analyst has suggested that the Atlanta Hawks should pursue a trade for Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton. Ben Stinar of Sports Illustrated believes the Hawks would benefit from acquiring Ayton, who was the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

“I think the Hawks should target Ayton in a trade with the Trail Blazers,” Stinar wrote. “Portland is currently one of the worst teams in the league, coming off a 21-61 season. With two years and $80 million left on his contract, Ayton doesn’t fit a rebuilding roster. A potential deal could involve the Hawks trading Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. to Portland.

“This trade would give the Blazers two expiring contracts they could later trade for assets. Meanwhile, the Hawks would be making a low-risk move for a player who hasn’t yet reached his full potential. At 26 years old, Ayton is entering his prime, and teaming up with All-Star point guard Trae Young could unlock new dimensions of his offensive game. The Hawks, aiming to win now, would gain a key piece to help them return to the playoffs in 2025.”

In the 2023-24 season, Ayton averaged 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks while shooting 57% from the field and 82.3% from the free-throw line. He recorded 32 double-doubles. Ayton was acquired by the Blazers from the Phoenix Suns in 2023 and holds career averages of 16.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks with the Suns and Blazers.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Ayton could be traded by the Blazers during the 2024-25 season. Portland selected Donovan Clingan with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

“Sources say that at some point, the Blazers and Ayton are likely to part ways, though there isn’t much trade interest in him at the moment,” Siegel reported. “Ayton, now in the third year of his four-year contract, is set to earn $34 million this season and $35.5 million in 2025-26, the final year of his deal. Despite this, the Blazers still view Ayton as a key veteran leader, making it unlikely they will push for a trade right now.”