Why Phoenix does it: they get a 2nd round pick. They get Nas Little who has the same untapped potential as Ayton. They save millions and millions more in tax. Nurkic plays good defense, maybe Phoenix can inspire him to be elite besides just those hard screens that get KD Book and Beal all open.

Why Portland does it: Ayton is young and skilled and was a number 1 pick so his max salary makes sense. Tobias Harris a good vet. Could get sign and traded at seasons end or extended if he wanted to sign up like Grant did. Or worth a good deal at trade deadline as expiring money. Getting the picks Miami has and their swaps as well.

Herro gets a new home