I get Ayton getting bought out. He wants a fresh start. The Blazers have a surplus of centers. Ayton needs (another) fresh start. I don't know if he's trying to get to the Lakers or what, but there are quite a few teams that need bigs. I don't think he's the worst gamble to make, depending on the salary. He's not a terrible guy, allegedly. One of the better what ifs in recent NBA history is what if the Suns didn't match the free agent offer on Ayton from the Pacers?
The Nurkic for Collin Sexton trade makes zero sense to me from Utah's perspective. Other than clearing out minutes and shots for Ace Bailey, they gave up a pick, got the worse player at a position they didn't really need, and took on more salary. And both players are on expiring deals. WTF? While I suppose there is another move in mind, to me it just looks like Utah is leaning into the tank more than ever. John Collins and Jordan Clarkson are on the block, too apparently. I don't think they get much for either one of them. Once they unload those two, they've basically got Lauri Markkanan and a gaggle of random very young raw prospects. And one of the best coaches in the league. They just keep throwing shit against the wall and hope something sticks, but that team has been circling the drain since the Mitchell and Gobert trades. Not one of the smoothest rebuilds in recent history.