Vincent Frank
The Phoenix Suns’ top-heavy roster was on full display in their second-round loss to the eventual NBA champion Denver Nuggets in the playoffs.
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant did most of heavy lifting. Chris Paul found himself injured. Meanwhile, embattled star center Deandre Ayton struggled in the postseason for a second consecutive year.
We’ve read reports that the Suns will be moving off Paul — either via a release or trade — before his contract becomes fully guaranteed on June 28. We’re also hearing that Ayton is on the trade block.
As hard as it’s going to be to trade Paul and his contract, Phoenix is apparently being met with a soft market for Ayton in conversations with other teams.
“I think the hard part for Phoenix right now is DeAndre Ayton’s market is lean. They have to be prepared that they’re going to have Deandre Ayton back,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported recently.
Ayton, 24, signed a four-year, $132.93 million offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers in restricted free agency last summer. Phoenix ultimately matched said offer despite a rift between the former No. 1 pick and then-head coach Monty Williams.
Fast forward a year, and the Suns find themselves in a similar situation with Ayton. Sure, Frank Vogel has replaced Williams on the bench. But Ayton’s future in the desert remains iffy, at best.
Related: Deandre Ayton trade scenarios from the Phoenix Suns
Deandre Ayton trade market and potential return to the Phoenix Suns
Teams are not only concerned about Ayton’s contract, but also his performance in the playoffs. Last season was a prime example of this. The big man averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds during the regular year. That split dropped to 13.4/9.7 in the postseason.
This doesn’t mean that there’s not a market for Ayton. He’s still only 24 years old, has shown considerable skill and has produced throughout his five-year NBA career.
- DeAndre Ayton stats (career): 16.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 59% shooting
Instead, Phoenix might have to lower its expectations in a trade if the team expects to move Ayton during the summer. For example, the Dallas Mavericks are said to have interest in Ayton. A package surrounding Tim Hardaway Jr. and Maxi Kleber could be the best that general manager James Jones receives.
For a Suns team that lacks depth, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Acquiring two or three rotational options for Ayton could help create a more well-rounded roster. If an offer doesn’t come in at the Suns’ liking, they can always run it back with Ayton. A full season as Kevin Durant’s teammate might unleash the beast in him.
