The race for Deandre Ayton is heating up. As the 2022 NBA offseason progresses, signs point more and more towards Ayton departing the Phoenix Suns in hopes of a larger contract. So far, the Suns seem averse to offering Ayton the max. The former number one pick has garnered interest from multiple teams, including the Atlanta Hawks.
Unfortunately for Atlanta, they're in a similar position as Phoenix. The Hawks are keen on Ayton, but interest is “contingent on landing him for less than a max contract,” per the Athletic's Chris Kirshner.
The Hawks would make good use of Ayton pairing him with youthful star Trae Young. Ayton would plug right in playing with a ball-dominant guard, something he already does with the Suns. However, the Hawks seem intent on keeping him below the max. Considering lack of a max contract is pushing him out of Phoenix in the first place, it seems unlikely Ayton's team will have a change of heart for Atlanta.
Kirshner also reports that the Detroit Pistons are similarly interested in Ayton. Detroit has shown intrigue and possesses the cap space needed to give the big man his max deal. What's unclear is interest. The Pistons traded for center Jalen Duren during Thursday's draft, clouding the gauge of their interest in Ayton.
As it stands, it seems Ayton is still struggling to find a party interested in giving him a $100+ Million max contract. Because of soured negotiations with the Suns, he may be moved elsewhere without a pay raise. If that's the case, the Hawks may have a chance.
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