The Phoenix Suns have already rung in changes following their second-round exit in the 2022-23 NBA playoffs at the hands of the Denver Nuggets.
And in a recent development, NBA insider Tim MacMahon believes that the Suns will retain the services of Chris Paul but are likely to trade Deandre Ayton in the offseason.
“Certainly, it’s been well-chronicled the head-butting between Deandre Ayton and Monty Williams,” MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective. “But by no stretch do I believe that Monty Williams’ departure makes it much more likely for Deandre Ayton to still be in Phoenix next season. I still am pretty sure Deandre will be traded this summer.”
He further added: “They’ve got a decision to make on Chris Paul. I think that one is certainly more likely for Chris Paul to be back. They need to understand what their potential options are there as well. Obviously, Chris Paul is still a very good player, but at 38 years old, if they could somehow turn him into a couple of quality role players, I think that’d be something that they would have to seriously consider.”
Reports of Ayton exiting the Suns have been doing the rounds for some time. The center inked an offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers last season, but the value was matched by Phoenix. With the Suns looking to add a quality big alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, chances are that Ayton might be one to make way for another star.
The Chicago Bulls And Charlotte Hornets Have Deandre Ayton On Their Radar
Soon after the Suns’ ouster from the postseason, reports of multiple teams interested in Ayton generated the buzz.
“The Chicago Bulls may be interested if they were to part ways with former All-Star Nikola Vucevic, and it is possible a team like the Charlotte Hornets could also show interest in Ayton,” said Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
This regular season, the big man averaged 18.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 1.7 APG for the Suns. In a team like the Hornets, he could benefit with more of the ball in his hands and carve out a bigger role for himself.
There is no shortage of suitors for bigs in the league, and even if Ayton is on the market, it won’t be long before he gets snapped up by one of the teams.
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