The Phoenix Suns plan to explore a Deandre Ayton trade this summer, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Both Ayton and Chris Paul may not be back with the Suns next season.
“Phoenix plans to explore trade opportunities including Paul and Deandre Ayton that could alter the franchise’s roster landscape ahead of a final decision on Paul’s partially guaranteed contract, sources said,” Woj wrote.
Ayton tried to leave the Suns last offseason 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 didn’t have a good relationship with head coach Monty Williams, who was fired by the Suns and replaced by Frank Vogel.
The 24-year-old Ayton averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds this season for the Suns while shooting 58.9% from the field, 29.2% from beyond the arc, and 76.0% from the free-throw line. The Arizona product helped the Suns win 45 games in the regular season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton & Phoenix Suns Updates
However, Ayton’s numbers dipped in the 2023 playoffs to 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds. The Suns lost to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals in six games, and Ayton did not play well. He averaged only 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds and didn’t register a positive plus-minus rating in any game.
After the season ended, Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported Ayton would be excited about a fresh start with another franchise. It’s unknown if Ayton still feels that way now that Williams has been fired.
“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.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton & Phoenix Suns Updates
Ayton has career averages of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds with the Suns.
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