Both the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks find themselves in atypical predicaments at the moment early in the NBA offseason.

Typically, when you select a player with the number one pick, you expect them to be (an expensive) part of your future.

Yet, the Phoenix Suns are widely expected to move on from the 2018 first overall selection Deandre Ayton this summer.

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Typically, when a player is named to the All-NBA Third Team, you expect to keep him around for more than another season. Yet, the New York Knicks are widely expected to move on from Julius Randle this summer.

Rules always have exceptions. Ayton has proven to be a traditional center. He’s a valuable player, but the Suns don’t seem convinced that he’s worth max money. Meanwhile, Randle’s production took a steep dive after his 2020-21 All-NBA performance.

Could these two sides help each other out by swapping problems this summer?

New York Knicks Receive: C Deandre Ayton (Sign-And-Trade)

Phoenix Suns Receive: F Julius Randle, 2023 First-Round Pick (NYK)

San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Kemba Walker, C/F Dario Saric, 2023 Second-Round Pick (PHX), 2025 Second-Round Pick (PHX)

Can we just take a moment to acknowledge how weird this is? The fact that this trade feels realistic ought to be noticed.