The Phoenix Suns are having trouble trading center Deandre Ayton, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
“I think the hard part for Phoenix right now is DeAndre Ayton’s market is lean,” Wojnarowski said on the Ryen Russillo Podcast. “They have to be prepared that they’re going to have Deandre Ayton back.”
Ayton averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds during the 2022-23 regular season, which are solid numbers. However, his production dipped in the 2023 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 Updates
The Suns lost to the Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals in six games. According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Ayton would be excited about a fresh start with another team.
“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 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. Ayton has career averages of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds. He’ll make $32.5 million next season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton & Phoenix Suns Updates
Along with Ayton, the Suns are also looking to trade point guard Chris Paul, who has a partially guaranteed contract for next season. Phoenix fired Monty Williams as head coach and hired Frank Vogel, who won the 2020 championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
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