1. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns made the precarious decision to not work out a rookie extension with Deandre Ayton before the season. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft was looking for a max contract, but the Suns don’t believe he is a max player.
Now, his future with the team is up in the air. He is unhappy about not getting a max extension and will be a restricted free agent once the offseason rolls around. The Suns can match any offer sheet he signs as a restricted free agent, but if he receives a max one, are they going to have their minds changed in a few months?
If not, the Phoenix Suns should start making contingency plans now. One of those plans could include making a deal for Karl-Anthony Towns.
If Phoenix does not want to commit to Ayton long-term, maybe they would prefer having Towns as their starting center? Towns is signed through 2024 and could help get Phoenix over the hump after they fell two wins short of the NBA Finals in 2021.
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He fits the Suns’ timeline, turning 26 later in November, and would give Phoenix a legitimate star running partner for Devin Booker into the future once Chris Paul retires.
Phoenix cannot afford to lose Ayton without getting something in return. If he is going to leave the franchise this offseason, trying to execute a deal that brings someone back such as Towns makes sense.
