One of the most surprising developments as we head toward the NBA offseason is Deandre Ayton seemingly being available this offseason. Ayton has been a lynchpin for the Phoenix Suns the last few seasons as they rose to prominence, but it sounds like there is a legitimate chance that his tenure in the desert will be coming to an end.
Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, was seeking a max rookie extension. Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Shai Gigeous-Alexander, and Michael Porter Jr. all received one. But, Suns’ ownership didn’t feel that Ayton was worth a deal of that size.
So, they held steady on whatever number they were offering. Unmoved himself, Ayton remained firm on seeking a max and no deal was done. That has led us to this point, as he is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason.
The Phoenix Suns will have the right to match any offer sheet that Ayton may sign as a restricted free agent. However, if their stance remains unchanged, as it seems, Ayton could very well be suiting up for a new franchise come October.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers ‘Strong Fits’ To Trade For Suns’ Deandre Ayton
Who might he play with? According to Marc Stein via his Substack, Deandre Ayton is already garnering interest from five different teams including the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, and Atlanta Hawks. More are likely if the Suns make it known that they are ready to move on.
“San Antonio, Toronto, Portland, Detroit, and Atlanta have all been mentioned as potential Ayton suitors. There are bound to be more if the Suns are indeed ready to move on and Ayton is truly gettable.”
All five of those teams have been mentioned as seeking center upgrades this offseason, so their interest in Ayton isn’t too surprising. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Charlotte Hornets, another team seeking a big man, and the New York Knicks, who could need a new starting center themselves, got involved as well.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers ‘Strong Fits’ To Trade For Suns’ Deandre Ayton
Only turning 24-years old in July, Deandre Ayton is just scratching the surface of his potential. Allowing him to leave could very well slam the Phoenix Suns’ title window shut, especially if a team with max cap space just outright signs him and doesn’t have to engage in sign-and-trade talks.
In that scenario, the San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, and Detroit Pistons are who the Phoenix Suns should be most concerned with as they all have money to blow this offseason.
There’s a lot still to play out, but just remember, the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, and Atlanta Hawks are all teams to keep an eye on for Phoenix Suns star Deandre Ayton at this stage.
