After being introduced as the new Phoenix Suns head coach, Frank Vogel expressed a desire to help Deandre Ayton grow into becoming an All-Star level player. While that might be one of the coach’s goals, the organization might not see that happening in Phoenix.
Ayton signed a four-year, $133 million offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers last summer and was poised for a fresh start in his NBA career. However, the Suns immediately matched the offer and kept a disgruntled Ayton for the entire season.
Related: Frank Vogel addresses Deandre Ayton’s future with Phoenix Suns
The 24-year-old center clashed with Monty Williams and has issues with Suns’ teammates, but remained a core part of the team’s long-term plans. After being eliminated from the NBA playoffs, though, it appears Phoenix is ready to make significant changes.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Suns intend to explore their trade options with Ayton this summer and evaluate what other NBA teams are willing to offer.
Related: NBA insider confident Phoenix Suns trade Deandre Ayton
The Suns are also planning to part ways with Chris Paul, either via trade or releasing him into free agency as a last result. With Devin Booker and Kevin Durant now the building blocks in Phoenix, Ayton faces an uncertain future with an increasing likelihood that he is traded this summer.
After becoming one of the highest-paid centers in the NBA, Ayton regressed as a player last season. Despite his usage rate rising to 22.9 percent, the second-highest mark in his career, Ayton’s offensive rating (119) and effectiveness dropped.
DeAndre Ayton stats | PPG | RPG | eFG% | WS/48 | RAPTOR |
2021-’22 | 17.2 | 10.2 | .639 | .203 | 0.9 (24th among Cs) |
2022-’23 | 18 | 10 | .592 | .147 | -2.7 (48th among Cs) |
He was even worse in the playoffs, averaging a career-low 13.4 points per game and shooting 55 percent from the field with 3.5 fouls and 1.7 turnovers per contest. It added credibility to a growing belief that he likely isn’t the right fit in Phoenix and a change is necessary for both sides.
Keeping that in mind, here’s a quick rundown of the three best trade landing spots for Deandre Ayton right now.