Feb 3, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) controls a rebound in front of Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
NBA Trades: 5 potential suitors for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 12: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic during the first half at Footprint Center on February 12, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Magic 132-105, NBA Trades: 5 potential suitors for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
NBA Trades: 5 Deandre Ayton suitors for Phoenix Suns: 2. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are in the midst of a full rebuild and should be looking to continue to add youthful talent to improve their long-term outlook. Acquiring Deandre Ayton would certainly be a major addition to the young core as another substantial piece to build around.
Ayton would become one of the main focal points offensively and join a talented team with other young stars such as Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter Jr., and the 2022 No. 1 overall pick, which will likely be Auburn forward Jabari Smith. If Ayton prefers to seek a much larger role in free agency, the Magic would be an appropriate fit.
Orlando has plenty of cap space to absorb Ayton with a max contract or pursue a sign-and-trade deal with Phoenix by offering a possible combination of Mo Bamba, Terrence Ross, picks, or other growing prospects. Given the Magic’s appetite for elite young talent and long-term vision, they could become a sneaky suitor for Deandre Ayton in free agency this year.
Phoenix Suns will have important business to take care of this offseason. The most important matter for the Suns to address will be the drama surrounding 23-year-old center Deandre Ayton, who is set to become a restricted free agent.</p>
<p>Once free agency hits, Phoenix will have the ability to match any offer sheet that Ayton receives from other teams. However, due to head coach <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"https://nba.nbcsports.com/2022/05/24/report-monty-williams-has-complained-about-deandre-ayton-suns-might-not-match-max-offer-sheet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monty Williams’ frustrations</a> with the big man and ownership’s disbelief in Ayton being worth a max contract, all indications are pointing toward a breakup.</p>
<p>According to NBA insider <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"https://marcstein.substack.com/p/a-weekends-worth-of-nba-intel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marc Stein </a><strong>(subscription required)</strong>, the Phoenix Suns are “increasingly expected to engage in serious sign-and-trade talks” regarding Deandre Ayton. With Ayton becoming more and more likely to depart Phoenix, let’s dive into five potential suitors that could acquire the 2018 No. 1 overall pick during free agency this offseason.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: 5 Deandre Ayton suitors for Phoenix Suns: 1. Toronto Raptors</h2>
<p>The <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/toronto-raptors/">Toronto Raptors have reportedly been in the market to upgrade at center for a few years now, and the expectation is that they’ll continue their pursuit this summer. While the Raptors should have plenty of options to target, Deandre Ayton would make a lot of sense.</p>
<p>After winning the 2019 NBA championship, Toronto has its eyes set on chasing another title and still has a promising core headlined by Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and 2021 Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes. Ayton would immediately enhance the Raptors’ chances at contending for years to come.</p>
<p>In any sign-and-trade deal, Toronto could offer a package around OG Anunoby and a future first-round pick, which the Suns could be interested in. Of course, both Deandre Ayton and Phoenix would have to agree to any potential deal. Ayton would likely value the new opportunity with an integral role on a competitive Raptors team that has intriguing potential.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Trade Suitor #2 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-445916 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1370632931.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades, Phoenix Suns, Deandre Ayton" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1370632931.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1370632931-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 12: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic during the first half at Footprint Center on February 12, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Magic 132-105, NBA Trades: 5 potential suitors for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: 5 Deandre Ayton suitors for Phoenix Suns: 2. Orlando Magic</h2>
<p>The <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/orlando-magic/">Orlando Magic are in the midst of a full rebuild and should be looking to continue to add youthful talent to improve their long-term outlook. Acquiring Deandre Ayton would certainly be a major addition to the young core as another substantial piece to build around.</p>
<p>Ayton would become one of the main focal points offensively and join a talented team with other young stars such as Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter Jr., and the 2022 No. 1 overall pick, which will likely be Auburn forward Jabari Smith. If Ayton prefers to seek a much larger role in free agency, the Magic would be an appropriate fit.</p>
<p>Orlando has plenty of cap space to absorb Ayton with a max contract or pursue a sign-and-trade deal with Phoenix by offering a possible combination of Mo Bamba, Terrence Ross, picks, or other growing prospects. Given the Magic’s appetite for elite young talent and long-term vision, they could become a sneaky suitor for Deandre Ayton in free agency this year.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Trade Suitor #3 </a>
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Portland Trail Blazers prepare to restructure the roster around superstar Damian Lillard this offseason, pursuing Deandre Ayton could be a realistic possibility. If the Blazers want any chance at competing for a title in the short-term future, they need to acquire star talent that would complement Lillard.</p>
<p>After missing the playoffs while offloading key contributors in the process last season, Portland has positioned themselves to be aggressive this summer in an effort to become a contending team again. The Blazers have created comfortable cap space and accumulated draft picks that can be utilized to land top-tier producers such as Ayton.</p>
<p>Lillard reportedly likes the idea of teaming up with Ayton as well. Portland’s front office should be ultra-busy on the phones throughout the offseason, and it would be no surprise at all to see the organization inquire about Ayton at the start of free agency.</p>
<p>In addition, Deandre Ayton would surely value the opportunity to play alongside Damian Lillard and become a focal point of the Portland Trail Blazers for both the present and future. Portland could absorb Ayton with their cap space or offer pieces such as Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Hart, Nassir Little, or picks to entice the Phoenix Suns in a sign-and-trade deal.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Trade Suitor #4 </a>
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Utah Jazz are expected to reshape the core of the roster after another season of failed expectations. <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"http://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/31/nba-trades-rudy-gobert-utah-jazz-2/" rel="">If the Jazz part ways with All-Star center Rudy Gobert</a>, which seems like a real possibility at this point, Deandre Ayton would be a buzzing replacement.</p>
<p>Utah is already facing drama this summer with coach Quin Snyder stepping down and the futures of Gobert and fellow star Donovan Mitchell remain unclear. The organization could be approaching the reset button and may pursue a new star piece to build around.</p>
<p>As a young, effective center with still much room for growth, Ayton would be the ideal center to pursue if the Jazz want to explore a different direction moving forward. Trading Gobert would certainly return coveted assets that could be used to lure Ayton away or Gobert could be used in a sign-and-trade deal to land him.</p>
<p>Although, the Suns would likely have to attach more assets to Ayton in any deal that would land All-Defensive center Rudy Gobert in exchange. It would be a blockbuster swap that would shake up the league, but also a trade that benefits both franchises. Deandre Ayton would be a glorious addition to the Utah Jazz if the organization trends toward a different direction this summer.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Trade Suitor #5 </a>
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Atlanta Hawks could emerge as the most likely destination for Deandre Ayton. Similar to other teams, the Hawks are expected to shake up their roster this offseason, with everyone reportedly available besides superstar point guard Trae Young.</p>
<p>Atlanta would jump at the opportunity to upgrade at center while also getting younger in the process. Pairing Ayton with Young would create a dynamic one-two punch for the foreseeable future. Both were also part of the same draft class in 2018.</p>
<p>The Hawks don’t have cap space flexibility, but they have attractive options to include in a potential sign-and-trade deal that the Suns could value. Clint Capela and two first-round picks would seem like the most realistic framework for a deal, but Atlanta also has John Collins, Kevin Huerter, and Onyeka Okongwu that could be brought to the table.</p>
<p>Given the organization’s assets, desires, and urgency to surround Trae Young with more complementary support, acquiring Deandre Ayton will be a fascinating opportunity for the Atlanta Hawks this offseason. Ayton would likely relish the opportunity to play in Atlanta as well.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="3 trades for the Trail Blazers with the 7th pick" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/12/nba-trades-portland-trail-blazers/" data-call-to-action="Next"
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Portland Trail Blazers prepare to restructure the roster around superstar Damian Lillard this offseason, pursuing Deandre Ayton could be a realistic possibility. If the Blazers want any chance at competing for a title in the short-term future, they need to acquire star talent that would complement Lillard.</p>
<p>After missing the playoffs while offloading key contributors in the process last season, Portland has positioned themselves to be aggressive this summer in an effort to become a contending team again. The Blazers have created comfortable cap space and accumulated draft picks that can be utilized to land top-tier producers such as Ayton.</p>
<p>Lillard reportedly likes the idea of teaming up with Ayton as well. Portland’s front office should be ultra-busy on the phones throughout the offseason, and it would be no surprise at all to see the organization inquire about Ayton at the start of free agency.</p>
<p>In addition, Deandre Ayton would surely value the opportunity to play alongside Damian Lillard and become a focal point of the Portland Trail Blazers for both the present and future. Portland could absorb Ayton with their cap space or offer pieces such as Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Hart, Nassir Little, or picks to entice the Phoenix Suns in a sign-and-trade deal.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Trade Suitor #4 </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_445457" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"http://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/imagn-images/2018/08/15316197.jpeg">Utah Jazz are expected to reshape the core of the roster after another season of failed expectations. <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"http://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/31/nba-trades-rudy-gobert-utah-jazz-2/" rel="">If the Jazz part ways with All-Star center Rudy Gobert</a>, which seems like a real possibility at this point, Deandre Ayton would be a buzzing replacement.</p>
<p>Utah is already facing drama this summer with coach Quin Snyder stepping down and the futures of Gobert and fellow star Donovan Mitchell remain unclear. The organization could be approaching the reset button and may pursue a new star piece to build around.</p>
<p>As a young, effective center with still much room for growth, Ayton would be the ideal center to pursue if the Jazz want to explore a different direction moving forward. Trading Gobert would certainly return coveted assets that could be used to lure Ayton away or Gobert could be used in a sign-and-trade deal to land him.</p>
<p>Although, the Suns would likely have to attach more assets to Ayton in any deal that would land All-Defensive center Rudy Gobert in exchange. It would be a blockbuster swap that would shake up the league, but also a trade that benefits both franchises. Deandre Ayton would be a glorious addition to the Utah Jazz if the organization trends toward a different direction this summer.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Trade Suitor #5 </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_445918" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/14/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns-2/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/imagn-images/2018/08/17613742.jpeg">Atlanta Hawks could emerge as the most likely destination for Deandre Ayton. Similar to other teams, the Hawks are expected to shake up their roster this offseason, with everyone reportedly available besides superstar point guard Trae Young.</p>
<p>Atlanta would jump at the opportunity to upgrade at center while also getting younger in the process. Pairing Ayton with Young would create a dynamic one-two punch for the foreseeable future. Both were also part of the same draft class in 2018.</p>
<p>The Hawks don’t have cap space flexibility, but they have attractive options to include in a potential sign-and-trade deal that the Suns could value. Clint Capela and two first-round picks would seem like the most realistic framework for a deal, but Atlanta also has John Collins, Kevin Huerter, and Onyeka Okongwu that could be brought to the table.</p>
<p>Given the organization’s assets, desires, and urgency to surround Trae Young with more complementary support, acquiring Deandre Ayton will be a fascinating opportunity for the Atlanta Hawks this offseason. Ayton would likely relish the opportunity to play in Atlanta as well.</p>
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