Yesterday, Charles Barkley went on NBA TV and discussed yesterday’s blockbuster trade which saw the Suns send Deandre Ayton to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!- Bucks Receive: Damian Lillard
- Blazers Receive: Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, 2029 1st round pick via Bucks and two pick swaps with the Bucks
- Suns Receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson and Grayson Allen
“With the Suns, something was going on with Deandre Ayton,” Barkley said. “It goes back to there was an issue with Monty Williams and Deandre Ayton. Now clearly it must have been something else going on in the organization. (Phoenix) clearly just wanted to get rid of him.”
Sep 24, 2018; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Deandre Ayton poses for a portrait beneath a photo of Charles Barkley during Phoenix Suns media day at Annexus Practice Court at Talking Stick Resor. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Suns’ legend went onto say that the big winner of the trade was the Milwaukee Bucks. He added that they should be the betting favorite (which they are) to win the NBA Finals.
“I’m not upset with what the Suns did,” Barkley said. “They made their big move going out and getting Bradley Beal. I don’t want to say they’re the favorites in the West. I love what the Lakers have done. You take your hat off to what the Lakers have done this summer. I think the Lakers and the Suns are the two favorites.”
However, he did not forget about last year’s NBA champion.
“I don’t want to sleep on the Denver Nuggets,” Barkley said. “They’ve got Joker (Nikola Jokic), but they lost a couple of really good role players (Bruce Brown and Jeff Green). They’re going to be counting on some young kids. I don’t know if those young kids are going to be ready for that smoke in Game 6 and 7 against the Suns and against the Lakers.”
The Phoenix Suns will hold what should be an eventful media day next Monday (Oct. 2) with training camp to start the next day.
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
