The Phoenix Suns are one of the NBA teams most prominently named as a potential landing spot for Kevin Durant following his trade request to the Brooklyn Nets. They were one of two teams, along with the Miami Heat, that was on his preferred landing spot list.
People around the league ultimately believe that Durant will end up in the desert as well. That has led to some underwhelming offers being presented to the Nets, who have all the time in the world to wait things out. Durant is under contract for four more seasons, so they want to maximize their return.
Right now, the reported offer on the table from the Suns is Deandre Ayton in a sign-and-trade, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and multiple first-round draft picks.
That doesn’t meet the Nets’ asking price, so there is still more work to be done. However, things could get more complicated for Phoenix in the coming days.
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While making an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, Brian Windhorst shared that the Indiana Pacers are considering giving Ayton an offer sheet. Indiana is open to a sign-and-trade deal being completed that includes their center, Myles Turner, heading to the Suns to become their new man in the middle.
The Suns would have two days to match an offer sheet for Ayton should he sign one with the Pacers. Allowing him to walk to Indiana or getting involved in a sign-and-trade would hamper their ability to trade for Durant, which is likely their No. 1 goal the remainder of the offseason.
Should a sign-and-trade with the Pacers ultimately be worked out, Turner would be a solid replacement for Ayton. He is a superior defender, as one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. Turner has never really received the chances that Ayton has offensively, so we could see some improved production from him compared to his days in Indiana if he is given a similar role.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton To Indiana Pacers Ends Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant Trade?
The one thing Myles Turner brings that Ayton has yet to develop is a 3-point shot. Turner is a solid floor spacer from the center position, which would help Phoenix open up their offense even more than they have in the last two seasons with Chris Paul at the helm.
