The Suns might be better off using their 2021 first round pick in a draft day trade. However, most of the contracts they might use in a trade are relatively small. The Suns don't have any room where they can absorb a contract. When Paul's contract is off the books, they will need to pay Ayton and Bridges.
PHX could sign a big FA when Paul's contract expires first and then sign Ayton & Bridges under Bird's Rights. If GS was able to fit their Big 4 under contract then any team can.
That's right. The extensions don't kick in until the following season so it would work if Sarver is willing to use Paul's salary space to improve the team rather than just pay Ayton and Bridges.
I haven't watched a ton of film on Ayo, but I can see him fitting here. He has a lot of .5 to his game. Lots of attitude, James Harden esque on finishes and attacking the rim, uses left and right to finish, efficient (80-50-40 potential), flashed a good crossover on one on one, good, not great, 3 pt shooter with range (still too mechanical on his form), and very productive (20ppg, 6rpg, and 5apg) I'm kind of surprised he's ranking so low even at this point. Tankathon has him in the 30's. I'll be keeping an eye on him as the process continues.
I think with workouts he will shoot up. Potential alone should land him in lottery. Didn't have a good game in early tournament exit but his body of work during season is a better indication of the player he is.
Excellent prospect. His release point is kind of low and probably that is what prohibits him from being a surefire 1st round pick (or even a lottery pick), but he is still #22 in espn's latest mock.