While most of the NBA has seemingly been halted following the news of a Kevin Durant trade request, rumors surrounding Deandre Ayton continue to leak out. The former No. 1 overall pick is seemingly on his way out of Phoenix and searching for a new team.

ESPN insider Brian Windhorst joined Get Up Monday morning and shed some eye-opening clarity on the situation:

It has been disappointing to see Deandre Ayton's relationship with the Suns turn sour. The two sides failed to reach an extension last offseason and he is currently a restricted free agent. The 23-year-old big man has been a critical piece of Phoneix's core, but the franchise is not willing to offer him the max contract he desires. The relationship has taken a turn for the worst after Ayton was benched in the Game 7 blowout loss which ended the Suns' season.

The restricted free agent label has complicated the exit for Deandre Ayton. Even if the Suns do not view him as a part of their long-term future, it hurts to let a high-caliber player leave without receiving anything in return. He may not be the bona fide superstar the Suns had hoped he would become, but the Arizona product is still a quality player. Through his first four seasons as a pro, Ayton is averaging 16.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and a block per game.

For the Pacers, adding the former All-Rookie selection would be securing one of the top players available on the market. While some might critique the fit with Myles Turner, rumors continue to swirl about a trade involving him. Adding Deandre Ayton would almost certainly accelerate this type of move.

Indiana is still making moves to improve its roster but is getting much closer to the contender they seek to be. While they drew criticism for the Malcolm Brogdon deal, it proved vital in making a potential Deandre Ayton move possible. Adding the big man to the young core of Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin has exciting potential.

There are sure to be more details moving forward, but it is clear the Pacers have their sights set on competing sooner rather than later. This situation also has an impact on the Kevin Durant talks. Ayton signing an offer sheet with Indiana instead of working out a sign-and-trade could really throw things for a loop.