NBA Rumors: Hawks, Raptors most likely landing spots for Deandre Ayton
NBA Rumors: According to a recent report, the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and Detroit Pistons are the most likely landing spots for Deandre Ayton.
As the NBA offseason quickly approaches, there are several restricted free agents that could be on the move. With the biggest of such being Deandre Ayton. The Phoenix Suns have a big decision to make regarding Ayton this offseason and there is a growing sense that he won’t be back with the team next season.
If that is indeed so, there will likely be plenty of suitors for Ayton. He’s in the midst of the prime of his career and is coming off a season in which he averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds per game on 63 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range.
According to one recent report, the three most likely landing spots for Ayton are Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors.
"[via Bleacher Report]Ayton’s most realistic landing spots outside of Phoenix appear to be Atlanta, Detroit and Toronto, which all would present intriguing sign-and-trade opportunities for the Suns."
Each of these three teams makes sense. For the Hawks, Ayton would be an upgrade over Clint Capela and would be a great fit (and could grow) next to Trae Young. For the Pistons, he fits with what the team is trying to build. Ayton is just 23 years old and could grow next to Cade Cunningham and whoever the team drafts in this year’s lottery.
At least in my opinion, the Raptors are the most interesting possible landing spot. Toronto has an intriguing roster that has a need for a center to stick next to Pascal Siakam. A frontcourt duo of Siakam and Ayton would wreak havoc in the Eastern Conference.
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It wouldn’t be surprising if Ayton would return to Phoenix as well. Nevertheless, Ayton is a player to watch as free agency approaches. He could be one of the biggest names to switch teams this offseason.