Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls Make Deandre Ayton Trading Favorites in Phoenix Suns Transaction
It seems the Phoenix Suns are exploring different trade possibilities for their center, Deandre Ayton. The Dallas Mavericks and the Chicago Bulls are reportedly the top contenders for Ayton if the Suns ultimately decide to trade him.
The Phoenix Suns recently talked to point guard Chris Paul regarding his future with the team. While Paul wants to stay with the Suns, there's a possibility that the team may let him go due to cost-cutting measures. If this happens, Paul may find a new home with the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been linked to him.
Last week, the Suns also considered trading Ayton but didn't receive any positive responses.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski shared on the Ryen Russillo Podcast that the market for Ayton is weak, making it difficult for the Suns.
The Suns finished the regular season with a 45-37 record, securing the number 4 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Before being knocked out by the Denver Nuggets in the conference semifinals, they were considered favorites to win the 2022-23 NBA title after acquiring All-Star Kevin Durant in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets.
The Suns are currently listed as +850 favorites to win the 2023-24 NBA championship on DraftKings' futures board.
Suns and Ayton Parting Ways
The Suns drafted Ayton with the #1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Before being chosen by the Suns, Ayton played two years of high school ball in Phoenix. He joined the Arizona Wildcats for a one-year stint before professionals came knocking.
Ayton has clashed with former head coach Monty Williams in the past, causing him to be seen as trade bait. Williams even benched Ayton in a crucial game during the 2022 playoffs.
Ayton was the subject of trade rumors last summer as his relationship with Williams soured. The Indiana Pacers initially expressed interest in acquiring Ayton in free agency. They offered a $133 million deal for four seasons. After the Suns matched the offer, the two sides came to a new agreement.
In his fifth season, Ayton averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He shot an impressive 58.8% from the floor but struggled in the playoffs, averaging 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in 10 games.
Ayton sat out the elimination game against the Nuggets, in which the Suns were defeated, due to a rib injury.
After a disappointing season that saw the Suns fail to advance to the second round for the second consecutive postseason, owner Mat Ishbia fired Williams.
Potential Trade Partners
BetOnline has installed odds for Ayton's next team in case he is traded. The Mavs are frontrunners at +300 odds to acquire Ayton from the Suns.
The Mavs, who missed the playoffs this past season, are in dire need of a center, especially after Kristaps Porzingis' injury-prone history.
The Bulls are the second betting favorite at +400 to land Ayton. They are rumored to be involved in a swap for Ayton and forward DeMar DeRozan. Chicago's need for a center is more urgent given that Nikola Vucevic is a free agent.
The Atlanta Hawks are considered +500 underdogs for a trade with the Suns. The Hawks may consider adding Ayton and center Clint Capela, along with a sweetener like John Collins, in a possible deal.
The Charlotte Hornets are the fourth-highest candidate at +600 odds. With a dismal 38-44 record and no playoff berth, the Hornets have multiple needs, including a center.
These teams are in the hunt along with many others that could make enticing offers for Ayton's services.
The Orlando Magic's team consists of young and skilled players like 2023's Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, along with guards Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs. This team is in need of a center, and that's why they're also considered likely to get their hands on Ayton at odds of +600.
The Indiana Pacers struggled in the play-in tournament with a record of 35-47. They were quite impressed by Ayton last year and even proposed a lucrative contract to him. As a result, the Pacers are among the potential trade options for him at odds of +900.
