NBA champion Frank Vogel was introduced as the new head coach of the Phoenix Suns on June 6 and the former Los Angeles Lakers coach sounded excited to work with center Deandre Ayton.
Ayton didn’t have a good relationship with Monty Williams, but now that Williams is gone, Ayton could stick with the Suns.
“I think there’s a better chance than people think,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said of Ayton remaining with the Suns. “I think part of the reason why Frank Vogel got the job is because when he came in, he had an idea of what to do with Deandre Ayton. It does not mean it’s going to work. They obviously, as an organization, have a complicated relationship there. They did not want to pay him the max. For the last year, he was in an adversarial relationship with his coach.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Frank Vogel & Phoenix Suns Updates
Ayton tried to leave the Suns last summer by signing a four-year, $132.9 million offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers in restricted free agency. However, Phoenix matched Indiana’s offer sheet. The former No. 1 overall pick averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds during the 2022-23 regular season, but his numbers dipped in the postseason to 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds.
If the Suns keep Ayton, it will be interesting to see if he and Vogel can get on the same page. If that doesn’t happen, Phoenix has to trade the big man.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Frank Vogel & Phoenix Suns Updates
“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,” ESPN’s Tim 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. Although Ayton had a disappointing series against Denver — getting benched down the stretch of the Suns’ Game 3 win and frequently dominated by two-time MVP center Nikola Jokic — league sources expect several teams to show interest in acquiring the 24-year-old.”
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