Trade Rumors Swirl Around Former No. 1 Pick! Could the Lakers Offer a 3-for-1 Deal for NBA Finals-Caliber Center?

The NBA offseason is always a time of speculation and trade rumors, but one name that seems to be consistently in the mix this year is Deandre Ayton. The former No. 1 overall pick, who was once seen as a cornerstone for the Phoenix Suns, now finds himself at a crossroads with the Portland Trail Blazers. With the draft selection of UConn center Donovan Clingan by the Blazers at No. 7 overall, Ayton’s future in Portland looks increasingly uncertain.

According to ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel, it’s only a matter of time before Ayton and the Blazers part ways. The drafting of Clingan, who boasts a 7’2” height and a 7’6” wingspan, has made Ayton’s position on the team less secure. Clingan’s impressive summer league performance, where he averaged 12.3 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game, has only added to the buzz surrounding him. ESPN even ranks him third in their predictions for Rookie of the Year next season.

However, despite this, the Blazers have not yet pulled the trigger on trading Ayton. The reason? His current trade value is at an all-time low. After being traded from the Suns to the Blazers last offseason, Ayton’s performance in Portland was far from the dominant force he promised to be. Last season, he averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, shooting a career-second-low 57% from the field. The Blazers finished with a dismal 21-61 record, the worst in the Western Conference.

While Ayton’s basic stats might seem decent, his advanced metrics tell a different story. His offensive efficiency rating of 106.6 ranks 279th in the league, and his defensive efficiency of 115.3 ranks 222nd. His overall net efficiency rating is -8.7, placing him at 278th in the NBA. These numbers are shocking for a player with Ayton’s physical gifts, including his 7’0” height and 7’4” wingspan. His defensive struggles, in particular, are a major concern for a player who was once touted as a game-changer on both ends of the floor.

Given these underwhelming performances, it’s no surprise that the Blazers are considering moving on from Ayton, especially with Clingan waiting in the wings. Ayton’s remaining two-year contract includes $34.01 million for the 2024-25 season and $35.55 million for the 2025-26 season, with no player or team options. With these numbers, Portland is hoping to find a suitor willing to take on Ayton’s contract and give him a fresh start elsewhere.

One team that has been linked to Ayton in trade rumors is the Los Angeles Lakers. According to a suggestion from American media outlet Fadeaway World, the Lakers could potentially package Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt in exchange for Ayton. The idea behind this trade would be to provide Anthony Davis with a reliable and physical presence at the center position, forming a formidable frontcourt duo that could anchor the Lakers’ defense.

Ayton’s potential fit with the Lakers is certainly intriguing. At his best, Ayton is a versatile big man who can score in the paint, protect the rim, and rebound at a high level. His size and athleticism would complement Davis well, allowing Davis to operate more freely on both ends of the court. Together, they could form one of the most dominant frontcourt tandems in the league, creating a near-impenetrable defensive fortress for the Lakers.

However, there are also questions about whether Ayton is truly the right fit for the Lakers. While his physical tools are impressive, his inconsistency and lack of defensive impact in Portland raise concerns. The Lakers, who are eyeing a return to championship contention, need players who can perform at a high level consistently, especially in the pressure cooker of the NBA playoffs. Ayton’s struggles with focus and intensity have been well-documented, and it’s unclear whether he can elevate his game to meet the expectations of playing alongside stars like LeBron James and Davis.

Another factor to consider is the potential cost of acquiring Ayton. The proposed trade would see the Lakers giving up three key rotation players—Vincent, Hachimura, and Vanderbilt. Vincent, a versatile guard, provides scoring and playmaking off the bench. Hachimura, a forward with size and shooting ability, showed flashes of brilliance in the playoffs last season. Vanderbilt, known for his defensive versatility and energy, has become a fan favorite in Los Angeles. Losing all three in exchange for Ayton is a gamble, especially given Ayton’s recent performance.

Yet, the upside of such a trade could be immense. If Ayton can rediscover the form that made him the No. 1 overall pick and a key player in the Suns’ 2021 NBA Finals run, he could be the missing piece that pushes the Lakers back into title contention. His ability to play alongside Davis, who often shifts between power forward and center, could give the Lakers the flexibility they need to match up with any team in the league.

For now, the Blazers appear content to keep Ayton on their roster as they assess their options. The lack of a robust trade market for Ayton means Portland is in no rush to move him, and they may hope that a strong start to the season could increase his trade value. At the same time, they are likely to keep a close eye on Clingan’s development, knowing that the promising rookie could soon make Ayton expendable.

As the NBA season approaches, trade rumors surrounding Ayton are likely to intensify. Teams like the Lakers, who are looking to bolster their roster for a deep playoff run, will be monitoring his situation closely. Whether or not Ayton ends up in Los Angeles or another destination, one thing is clear: his days in Portland could be numbered, and his name will continue to be a focal point in the trade market.

For Lakers fans, the prospect of adding a player like Ayton is sure to spark debate. Is he the missing piece to another championship, or would the Lakers be better off sticking with their current roster? As the offseason unfolds, only time will tell if Ayton finds himself donning the purple and gold, or if he remains in Portland for the foreseeable future.

One thing is certain: Deandre Ayton’s journey as a former No. 1 pick is far from over, and his future in the NBA remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the season. Whether in Portland, Los Angeles, or elsewhere, Ayton’s next chapter will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as the league awaits to see if he can live up to the immense potential that once made him a top draft pick.