The Portland Trail Blazers could trade for Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton this summer, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
The Blazers have “valued” Ayton in the past.
“Portland has valued Suns center Deandre Ayton in the past, sources told Yahoo Sports, but Phoenix is too asset-strapped for any realistic chance of prying Damian Lillard from Portland should the Blazers’ franchise player ultimately seek to play elsewhere this summer,” Fischer wrote.
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Ayton would be excited about a fresh start with another franchise. However, it’s worth mentioning that MacMahon’s report came before the Suns fired Monty Williams as head coach.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Ayton and Williams didn’t have a good relationship. Phoenix replaced Williams with Frank Vogel, who won the 2020 championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“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.”
Ayton averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds for the Suns this season while shooting 58.9% from the field. However, his production plunged in the postseason to 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds. The former No. 1 overall pick put up 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in the Denver Nuggets series and didn’t register a positive plus-minus rating in any game.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Denver beat Phoenix in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals in six games.
The Trail Blazers need more talent around superstar point guard Damian Lillard, so a trade for Ayton could make sense for them. Ayton has career averages of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds while shooting 59.7% from the floor. He’s only 24 years old.
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.
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