The Phoenix Suns have created quite a conundrum for themselves this NBA offseason. Deandre Ayton was seeking a max contract. He didn’t budge off that stance, but Suns ownership didn’t waver in their feeling that he wasn’t worth a max contract.
As a result, no deal was reached. Because they were unable to work out a rookie extension with Deandre Ayton, he is now set to become a restricted free agent.
As a restricted free agent, the Phoenix Suns will have the opportunity to match any offer sheet that Ayton may sign with another franchise. While there aren’t many teams that are projected to have cap space this offseason, Ayton is expected to have a robust market.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft is expected to draw interest from both teams that have the cap space to sign him outright and teams that would have to make sign-and-trade deals.
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According to Bleacher Report, at least five teams are known to have some level of interest.
“Now, there are three teams most often linked by league personnel as Ayton’s potential suitors on the open market: Atlanta, Detroit and Portland. Multiple team executives also pointed to Charlotte, with a clear hole at center, and San Antonio, one of the few teams with significant cap space, as possible landing spots for Ayton.”
Atlanta is the most surprising of the bunch, as they signed Clint Capela to an extension during the 2021 offseason. But, Deandre Ayton would better fit the timeline with Trae Young, who was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
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The Detroit Pistons have been on the lookout for a center, as they have also been connected to Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks. Ayton would be a foundational piece along with 2021 No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham and whoever the Pistons land with their lottery selection this year.
The Portland Trail Blazers are working with an almost clean slate, looking to build the roster around Damian Lillard. Ayton would be a replacement at the center spot for Jusuf Nurkic should he sign elsewhere as a free agent.
The Charlotte Hornets have had a need in the middle for years. Deandre Ayton would be a sizable upgrade over Mason Plumlee and would be a lot of fun to watch alongside LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges.
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The San Antonio Spurs have Jakob Poeltl as their starting center currently, but depending on the direction they take this offseason, could look to make a move. Does Ayton push them over the top as much as say, someone like Zach LaVine, who they have also been linked to?
The Phoenix Suns are lucky to have the ability to match any deals Deandre Ayton receives, as there is a high likelihood he receives a big offer from someone. All it takes is one team to think he is worth the max for the Suns to have a difficult decision on their hands.
