Kicking off Suns’ media day, team owner Mat Ishbia wasted no time addressing the controversial decision to part ways with Deandre Ayton and acquire Jusuf Nurkic through a trade.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As is often the case with significant trades, the move sparked a range of emotions among fans. Ayton had been a pivotal figure in the Suns’ roster for the past five years, and his departure left many supporters feeling discontented.
On the flip side, those who put their trust in Mat Ishbia’s vision for the team expressed unwavering support for the trade.
Ishbia not only emphasized that Nurkic was a better fit for the Suns but also revealed that the decision was unanimous within the organization.
"For our team, Nurkić was a better fit for us" – #Suns owner Mat Ishbia on the Deandre Ayton trade. Added that it was a unanimous decision by the organization to make the move
— Burn City Suns Talk 🎙️ (@BurnCitySuns) October 2, 2023
Deandre Ayton was one of two players left on the roster from the Suns 2021 NBA Finals run. Now, just Devin Booker remains.
Ishbia cited the team’s commitment to pursuing a championship as a driving force behind his decision to make this blockbuster trade
He acknowledged that while Nurkic may not replicate Ayton’s statistical contributions, he brings a set of skills essential to the Suns’ needs.
From Burn City Sports reporter Damiam Adams:
Suns' owner Matt Ishbia talks about trading away Deandre Ayton. pic.twitter.com/yse216FpJT
— Damian Adams (@TheRealDealwDA) October 2, 2023
Stay tuned for further developments as Suns’ media day will continue to roll along all afternoon.