Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns has seen a decline in his play since the team’s 2021 NBA Finals defeat. During that time, Phoenix has also seen back-to-back eliminations from the second round of the playoffs.
The Dallas Mavericks have made an effort to entice Ayton away from the Suns, but Phoenix hasn’t been impressed with their offers up to this time, according to Gerald Bourget of PHNX.
“After the Suns’ second-round playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets, a source told PHNX Sports that the Dallas Mavericks made an unimpressive offer for Ayton over the summer,” writes Gerald Bourget of PHNX. “Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported in May that Ayton would be ‘excited about a fresh start with another franchise.”
“The Suns would need to make a very strong offer before they would change their mind about Ayton. In addition to looking for a big man capable of starting in place of DA, Phoenix would also want other assets. These might be in the form of draft compensation to help restock their empty cupboard or a young player with potential who could contribute immediately on a contender.
On the eve of the 2023 NBA Draft, the Suns entertained trade proposals for Deandre Ayton, but the offers were not up to par. After being referred to as “trash” by one source, the Suns retained their former top choice over the summer.
To trade Deandre Ayton to the Sixers, the Suns tried.
According to a recent report by Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Suns made an offer for Ayton to the Philadelphia 76ers in return for Tobias Harris, but Darryl Morey, general manager of the Sixers, refused to entertain the idea. The Suns raised the ante and demanded that Philadelphia bring in a third team after the Sixers rejected their offer, a request that Philadelphia angrily rejected.
“With three years and $102 million remaining on his contract, the 7-foot, 250-pound player is not of interest to the Sixers. And why would they when, like Ayton, Joel Embiid, the franchise player and current MVP? Pompey stated of Ayton, “The Sixers also have no interest in any of the players the Suns would make available.”
According to a source, Phoenix wants the Sixers to enlist the help of a third team in order to finalize the deal. The Sixers, though, seem unwilling to comply.
Coach of the Suns speaks out about Deandre Ayton
Ayton remains one of the NBA’s finest centers when he is playing hard. However, there are times when he loses interest in things, and things fall apart for him. This is among the reasons why in the playoffs, former Suns head coach Monty Williams had him share time at the five position with undrafted center Jock Landale.
However, Williams’ departure and the hiring of Frank Vogel, a head coach who has won championships, might be just what Ayton needs to guarantee that he performs at an elite level. In an interview with Sirius XM Radio, Frank Vogel, the Suns’ new head coach, expressed optimism about working with Ayton.
From a relationship perspective, I am off to a terrific start with him. I know that we need to incorporate him a bit more in the offense if we want him to rebound and defend at an All-Star caliber. Well, that’s basketball 101. Sports Illustrated reports that Vogel stated to Sirius XM NBA Radio, “You learn that as a youngster.”
Sometimes you just must throw the ball to those huge guys. They will run through the wall for you on the other end once they understand. He will play a significant role in whatever we do, so I think we are off to a wonderful start with that.
