As we inch closer to the offseason in the NBA, some intel is beginning to leak about which teams could be targeting which players. One player that people are going to be keeping a close eye on is Deandre Ayton.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft is a restricted free agent this summer because he and the Phoenix Suns were unable to agree to a rookie extension by the deadline before the 2021-22 season got underway. Both sides were unwilling to budge from the numbers they had set during negotiations.
Ayton wanted a max deal just like Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Michael Porter Jr. received. Suns ownership didn’t believe he was worth a max deal, leading to where we are now.
Ayton’s stance is likely unchanged as he had another very good season. Only turning 24-years old in July, he is just scratching the surface of his potential. If the Suns don’t want to pay him a max, there will likely be a team out there that will.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Suns Gauged Deandre Ayton’s Trade Value, Had Talks For Sabonis
One organization to keep an eye on is the Atlanta Hawks. They have been mentioned as one of the most linked suitors to Deandre Ayton this summer along with the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers. Based on other reports and previous happenings, the Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, and Indiana Pacers could also be in the mix.
For Atlanta, they don’t have the cap space to sign Ayton outright to a max deal. If they want him, they will have to engage the Suns in sign-and-trade scenarios. It is fair to assume that Clint Capela may be included in some of those trade discussions. John Collins’ name could also pop up.
If Phoenix is looking younger, Onyeka Okongwu is someone that would target, along with Jalen Johnson. Danilo Gallinari and Bogdan Bogdanovic could be used to help match salary if players still on their rookie contracts are being included.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Suns Gauged Deandre Ayton’s Trade Value, Had Talks For Sabonis
The Atlanta Hawks certainly have some options when it comes to creating a trade package to entice the Phoenix Suns to help facilitate a deal. General manager Travis Schlenk has said the team will not have a repeat of last season when they ran things back with the roster. Acquiring Deandre Ayton and consolidating the roster would certainly qualify as a shake-up.
