NBA: 5 most interesting free agents to monitor this offseason

NBA free agent No. 3: Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton has been one of the most integral parts of the Phoenix Suns’ past two seasons, making the 2021 NBA finals. Despite this, Suns ownership refused to pay the big man what he deserved last offseason, and now they find themselves with a difficult decision.

If they weren’t willing to pay him last year, it’s possible nothing has changed. Additionally, after an extremely disappointing and embarrassing loss in game seven at home, the Suns may need a shake-up. Chris Paul isn’t getting any younger, and his age was showcased down the stretch of the playoffs.

As for Ayton, the former number one overall pick averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds in his fourth season in the league. He is surely a top-ten center in this league and could be top-five with a little more development. He’s improved tremendously on both ends of the floor, being able to play center in a successful defensive system, while improving his offensive touch from mid-range.

Many teams would love to have him… except the Phoenix Suns, it looks like. He was benched at the end of game seven, and coach Monty Williams cited internal issues as the reason. It could be resolved, but it certainly looks like the Suns and Ayton, who they picked over Luka Doncic in the draft, could be heading for a split.

With this in mind, the Suns would want to get back anything they could for the emerging superstar. He’s a restricted free agent, but with few teams having reasonable cap space, a sign-and-trade may be a possible outcome. Portland will likely sign him to a max offer sheet with their need at center – the Suns could match that deal and subsequently move him to another team.

Many more teams are in on Ayton than currently realized, as his sweepstakes could be the most intriguing of the summer. Or, he could just stay in Phoenix.