NBA Rumors: Indiana Pacers are ‘close’ to acquiring Deandre Ayton

NBA Rumors: According to a recent report, the Indiana Pacers are ‘close’ to acquiring Deandre Ayton. 

At least thus far, the restricted free agent market has been relatively quiet regarding some of the bigger names. However, at least when it comes to Deandre Ayton, that is expected to change very soon.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Indiana Pacers are closing in on a deal for Ayton. Whether that be via a sign-and-trade or signing him outright to an offer sheet remains to be seen. Though, we should expect to see some movement when it comes to Ayton and a possible new team, specifically the Pacers.

"[via ESPN]“We believe that the Indiana Pacers are very close to giving Deandre Ayton an offer sheet or executing a sign-and-trade…We could see something with the Pacers and Ayton as early as today.”"

This report is far from surprising, especially considering the Pacers (who are in the midst of a rebuild) are one of the few teams that have enough money to offer Ayton the size of contract that he’s seeking.

Where this all gets interesting is the potential impact it could/will have on the Phoenix Suns’ pursuit of Kevin Durant. And if the Suns are serious about trying to acquire Durant from the Nets, there’s no way they could let Ayton walk for nothing.

Meaning that it would be extremely surprising if the Suns didn’t try to make this deal a sign-and-trade or, if push comes to shove, flat-out match the offer sheet.

The Suns don’t have much wiggle room here. Losing Ayton would hurt. Losing him and then having that being one of the primary reasons why they’re unable to land Durant would simply add salt to the wound.

Either way, the Suns are in a difficult spot. As they continue to try to reel in Durant from the Nets, they also are having to manage this situation with Ayton.

What should the Suns do if, in fact, Ayton does reach an agreement on an offer sheet? We could very well find out in a matter of a couple of days.