Best destinations for Deandre Ayton if he exits Phoenix

Now that we’ve moved past the NBA draft, it’s time for the free agency signing period to commence. And this year, one of the most talked-about names that could be on the move is Deandre Ayton. The 23-year-old center believes he’s earned a max contract. It’s just too bad the Phoenix Suns don’t seem to share the same feelings.

Ayton isn’t entirely in the clear as he’s a restricted free agent, and therefore Phoenix can match any offer from another team. The way things are going, it doesn’t look like he’ll be playing in a Suns uniform next season. Should Phoenix decide it isn’t worth holding onto Ayton, a few teams come to mind where his skills might be best utilized.

The Blazers are an obvious fit for Ayton, considering he’d be teamed with Damian Lillard and newly acquired Jerami Grant. The team might be forced to move on from Jusuf Nurkić, but I think they’d be more than willing for a shot at a younger, more athletic big man in Ayton. Nurkić has been hampered by the injury bug for the last three seasons. So, if Portland can move Nurkić and bring Ayton in as a replacement, that could vault them back up the ranks in the Western Conference.

This may not be the most talked-about destination for Ayton, but a move that could be in play. Adding Ayton to an already good defensive team would be ideal on both sides. Ayton would go into a situation where he could anchor the defense but not have too much expected of him offensively. Ayton won’t tip the scales in Toronto’s favor the same way Kawhi Leonard did a few years ago, but he’d certainly make them a more prominent contender than last year.

Detroit is in a rebuild, but it feels like they could swing for the fences going after Ayton. He’d instantly become the veteran in the locker room not necessarily because of age but based on experience. A trip to the Finals with Phoenix in 2021, plus he was a significant part of the Suns winning 64 games this season.

Ayton’s been a walking double-double during his first four years in the league, including the two years before Chris Paul arrived. Should the Pistons sign Ayton, it allows them to bring rookie Jalen Duren along slowly. I honestly feel like Detroit is where Ayton ends up landing.

San Antonio isn’t usually a free agent destination, but anything is possible with a sign and trade scenario. The Spurs could be in the mix now, especially after sending Dejounte Murray packing to Atlanta and picking up multiple first-round draft picks. But without Murray, Ayton to the Spurs doesn’t really move the needle. Ayton alone won’t make San Antonio a contender in the west. So, this move is a long shot.

Teaming Ayton with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving would help solve one of their biggest issues last season: size. A potential sign-and-trade between the Nets and Suns is a possibility for Ayton. Any such trade would likely involve Brooklyn sending Joe Harris and other pieces to Phoenix.

The only thing about this deal is the Nets will need to give some depth to acquire Ayton. Depth has been another issue for the Nets during the KD-Kyrie era. But if the Nets were to pick up Ayton and somehow find a way to get Ben Simmons on the court next season, things could begin looking up for Brooklyn.

With news coming out today about Durant wanting out of Brooklyn, that completely changes the game. If this happens then that means the Nets are blowing it up and starting over. Chris Haynes of Yahoo says Durant’s preferred destination is Phoenix. Bam! Ayton to Brooklyn is even more of a possibility now. I wouldn’t be shocked if Irving was on his way out via trade soon after KD.

Indiana feels like they’re about to enter another rebuild. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Pacers are a team to “keep an eye on” for Ayton’s services. But the rumors of Indiana trading Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner might finally come to fruition this offseason. I know Ayton wants to get paid, but he’d have to be okay with playing for a losing team for the next handful of years. The Pacers aren’t holding onto all those contracts. You’d think he had enough of that his first couple of years in Phoenix. But maybe not. It’s all about the Benjamins, baby.

Everyone knows this decision is going to come down to money. The team offering the largest bag will win the Ayton sweepstakes. I believe it’ll be Detroit, but the young man is about to get what he wants either way. A huge payday.