Suns’ Bold Plans Revealed For Deandre Ayton, Chris Paul

Deandre Ayton, Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The Phoenix Suns are expected to trade center Deandre Ayton this NBA offseason and keep point guard Chris Paul, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

MacMahon reported on June 3 on the Hoop Collective podcast he’s “pretty sure” Ayton will be traded this offseason and that Paul is “more likely” to remain in Phoenix.

The Suns, who lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals in six games, are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for Ayton this summer, MacMahon reported in May. Ayton averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds during the regular season, but his numbers dipped in the postseason to 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton & Phoenix Suns Updates

The former No. 1 overall pick put up 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in the Nuggets series and didn’t register a positive plus-minus rating in any game.

“Sources told ESPN that Ayton’s teammates have shared their coach’s frustration with what they perceive to be inconsistent effort and aggression from the 7-footer,” MacMahon reported. “Ayton would be excited about a fresh start with another franchise, sources told ESPN. The Suns are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for him this summer, league sources said.”

Paul signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Suns in August 2021. He has a partially guaranteed contract for next season. The Suns are likely to guarantee the full salary of Paul for the 2023-24 season, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton & Phoenix Suns Updates

Paul signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Suns in August 2021. He averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists during the regular season. The 38-year-old suffered a groin injury in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals versus the Nuggets and missed the rest of the series.

The Suns fired head coach Monty Williams after the Nuggets series and hired Frank Vogel, who won the 2020 championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

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