NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s move to the Phoenix Suns is one of the most talked about trades in the past few days. Adding an offensive juggernaut like Durant has brought a lot of excitement to the Suns’ fans. However, he did not come cheap. The Suns gave up Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, and additional draft compensation to the Brooklyn Nets for KD and TJ Warren. Since the Suns gave up a lot for Durant’s services, there are concerns about their defense and bench support. Furthermore, the two-time NBA champion’s addition might reduce others’ chances at the offensive end. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently gave his opinion on Durant’s trade.

Shaquille O’Neal gives his take on the Suns’ offense

Kevin Durant is one of the most efficient scorers the league has ever seen. Even though he does not always need the ball in his hands to score, his abilities demand a fair share of the ball. According to some, this might come at the expense of other stars, especially center DeAndre Ayton. WNBA star Candace Parker recently made an appearance in the latest episode of the Big Podcast with Shaq with co-hosts Nischelle Turner and Shaquille O’Neal. Parker expressed that because of the players the Phoenix Suns gave up, they could struggle defensively. Then Turner noted that many analysts claim that Ayton might be required to take a back seat and take more of a defensive role.

However, Shaq was not in complete agreement. The four-time NBA champion expressed that Ayton should be given importance at the offensive end. Furthermore, Shaq pointed out a problem with the argument that Ayton would be bored if he was not involved in the offense. He said, “Yes and no. When you got a big guy like that, you have to feed him. If I was those three guys, I’d give him three opportunities a quarter.”

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The Los Angeles Lakers legend added that if Ayton scores after receiving the ball the first time, he has to be given another chance. He noted that the 7′ center would get opportunities to score from offensive rebounds, etc. However, Shaq was clear Ayton has to be involved in the offense, one way or another.

Should DeAndre Ayton take a back seat?

DeAndre Ayton has been consistent since the Phoenix Suns drafted him as the first pick in the 2018 NBA draft. However, he has not been the superstar many thought he would be.

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Ayton is averaging 18.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2 assists per game this season. It will be interesting to see his role at the offensive end with the addition of Kevin Durant.

Should DeAndre Ayton take a defensive role for the Suns? Let us know in the comments.