Deandre Ayton has struggled with availability this season, contributing to the Blazers' defensive woes. His presence on the floor has coincided with a significant increase in the team's defensive rating, which ballooned from 119 to 127 during a recent stretch of games. This performance has raised concerns about his impact as the starting center.

Deandre Ayton is viewed as a potential trade target for the Chicago Bulls, who are seeking a younger franchise center to replace the aging Nikola Vučević. At 26 years old, Ayton is averaging 14.2 points and 10.0 rebounds this season, making him an attractive option for a Bulls team looking to revamp its roster.

Deandre Ayton did not travel with the Trail Blazers for the game due to illness, leading to rookie Donovan Clingan starting in his place and contributing 10 points and nine rebounds.

Deandre Ayton has struggled to reach his All-Star potential in seven seasons, yet he remains a productive center with solid averages of 14.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. As the Trail Blazers continue their rebuilding phase, trading Ayton could allow them to offload his contract while gaining modest draft compensation and potentially flipping other players for further assets. For Ayton, joining the Lakers could offer him a chance to thrive in a less demanding role alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Deandre Ayton will miss his second consecutive game due to illness, impacting the Trail Blazers significantly as he is their best rebounder and a key scorer in the paint. His absence has forced the team to make major adjustments offensively, and they struggled without him earlier in the season, going 1-3 during a previous stretch without him. With Ayton out, Portland's frontcourt depth is tested, especially against a potent Suns offense.