1. Deandre Ayton
This trade target isn’t one that the Toronto Raptors will be targeting before the deadline. Instead, this one could come in the offseason once free agency picks up in sign-and-trade scenarios.
The Phoenix Suns are not going to trade Deandre Ayton during the season. However, his long-term outlook with the team is cloudy as the two sides did not agree to a rookie extension. Ayton and his camp wanted a max deal, Suns ownership doesn’t believe he is worth that and talks stalled.
If the Suns still don’t believe he is worth a max deal come the offseason, the Raptors should aggressively pursue him as the long-term answer at the center position in their lineup.
Ayton has shown that he can be a difference-maker on both ends of the court. He is a strong anchor defensively, as he more than held his own against Giannis Antetokunmpo in the 2021 NBA Finals. He is extremely efficient on the offensive end and is working on expanding his shooting range.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 5 Massive Blockbuster Trades To Re-Shape NBA Landscape
His game is certainly ascending and he could take steps toward being an All-Star with a few more opportunities on the offensive end of the court. For a team on the rise like the Raptors, aggressively pursuing a 23-year old who isn’t even scratching the surface of his potential makes a lot of sense.
