A trade of so-called “Dominayton” is expected.
The U.S. local media “Clutch Point” reported on the current situation between the Portland Trail Blazers and DeAndre Ayton on the 5th (Korea Standard Time).
“Portland and Ayton are thinking of separating, but the trade market’s eyes are cold toward Ayton,” the report said.
Ayton was selected by the Phoenix Sons as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Surprisingly, Luca Doncic (3rd), Jaren Jackson Jr. (4th), and Trae Young (5th) were among the players who were selected later than Ayton.
Ayton was named the first overall pick because he showed overwhelming destructive power on the college stage. Ayton dominated the basket with an average of 20.1 points and 11.6 rebounds for a season at the University of Arizona, and was even considered the second David Robinson.
The team that even got the first place was Phoenix. Phoenix is a team in Arizona. In other words, Ayton was a star in Phoenix’s hometown. No one was opposed to Ayton’s first place nomination.
Ayton quickly adapted to the NBA stage. Since his rookie season, he has averaged a double-double with 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds, and has consistently averaged a double-double since then.
The problem is that Ayton’s limitations were clear. Phoenix was a typical weak team in the early days of Ayton’s joining. Ayton’s limitations were not revealed in such a team, but when Phoenix became a strong team, Ayton’s limitations began to be visible.
Ayton measures 213 centimeters tall and weighs 113 kilograms, but is very passive about not having physical fights under the basket. Moreover, he can only shoot mid-range shots or take passes from guards. He can score around 15 points on average, but it is hard to expect more than that at big games or in the playoffs.
The defense is also close to not being able to do it considering the overwhelming physical conditions. In other words, it was far from the top big man in offense and defense.
Ayton’s biggest problem is that he wasn’t a flounder. The latest trend in the NBA is that guards and forwards launch attacks, and big men are often in charge of inclement work and defense. The problem is that Ayton is an inclement and defensive player.
Eventually, Ayton and Phoenix wanted to part ways with each other, and Portland, who was interested in Ayton, signed Ayton in exchange for Damien Lillard’s trade.
“I am the dominant player. My name is Dominate,” Ayton said at the joining ceremony of Portland. The nickname “Dominate” is the name given to his English name “dominate.”
Contrary to this bold aspiration, Ayton’s performance in Portland’s uniform was disappointing. His record was not bad, averaging 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds, but he was still disappointed with his bad luck and defense. The problem is that he transferred from Phoenix, which was a strong team, to Portland, a weak team, but he showed a regression, let alone progress. 안전놀이터
It is natural that Portland wants to dispose of Aiton like this. Currently, young guards including Scoot Henderson and Shaden Sharp are in the midst of rebuilding the team. Aiton does not fit well with this young and dynamic team color.
The problem is that Ayton’s contract remains until the 2025-2026 season. Ayton earns an annual salary of $35 million. Coldly, considering Ayton’s current skills, it seems that no team will receive Ayton. Ayton signed a maximum contract from Phoenix, the previous team.
Eventually, Ayton is likely to wear a Portland uniform in the next season. The Portland leadership’s efforts to deal with Ayton will be active throughout the season.