Pacers win big as potential facilitators of Kyrie Irving from Nets to Suns
By Joe Lyon
Pacers act as third player to bring in starting caliber power forward on a decent contract.
The tricky thing about three team trades is that it is hard to end up with a team that is not potentially losing. And it is extremely difficult for the optics for all three teams to be one that is positive. This trade may do exactly that for all three trades.
This of course, is dependent on the Phoenix Suns actually being genuinely interested in Kyrie Irving. If they give up both Ayton and a first-round pick, they would likely have to be okay with a long term contract for Irving, who certainly has the talent to merit the cost.
The Pacers would give away an extremely low first round pick in return for a solid power forward with multiple years left on his contract.
The Nets would give away a talented point guard they have no interest in signing long term for a good piece in Ayton as well as two first round picks.
At first glance it seems like a win-win-win trade for all three teams.