Suns Post Tribute Video for Deandre Ayton
PHOENIX -- It wasn't quite the ending either side wanted, but perhaps what was needed.
After years of speculation, the Phoenix Suns finally decided to part ways with center Deandre Ayton, sending him to the Portland Trail Blazers in the massive three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Ayton was the team's lone No. 1 pick in franchise history, and though he helped the Suns reach heights such as the 2021 NBA Finals and a regular season record 64 wins the following year, his tenure in Phoenix can ultimately be viewed as lackluster given his potential and expectations.
In Ayton's official return to Phoenix, the Suns gave their former center a tribute video to thank him for his time:
As expected, there was a mix of cheers and boos from the crowd.
Prior to the game, Ayton spoke on what it would be like to play in front of his former home crowd.
"I love competing. I love playing in front of a big crowd," he said via Duane Rankin.
"I don't even know. I know Suns fans, if you don't wear the same jersey as them, shit, good luck."
Former Suns Toumani Camara and Ish Wainright are also with Portland this season.
With his new squad, Ayton is averaging 12.2 points and 11 rebounds per night. Portland lost their last seven games heading into tonight, though head coach Chauncey Billups has been impressed with his big man:
"What I have been most proud of that he hasn’t got frustrated one time man; he has had plenty reasons to get frustrated. He has been a great teammate, a warrior. He understands some of our struggles as of late. With being so shorthanded, he has been positive the entire time, he hasn’t gotten frustrated and that is not easy to do. Really proud of him for that, then you see some games where shoot man, he is able to do so much. The dude is just ultra-talented, we are going to find ways to get the best out of him because he is with us and he is ours. Loved coaching him to this point, it has been great.”
