The Toronto Raptors are ready to go all in to land a proven center this summer who can help bolster their frontcourt. On Tuesday, they were briefly linked to Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert, who could potentially be involved in a trade for OG Anunoby.
However, it appears the Raptors have a number of different targets on their wishlist for bigs. Among them? Phoenix Suns star Deandre Ayton.
Via Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report:
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Another center that’s been linked to the Raptors’ search for a big man by league sources: Deandre Ayton.https://t.co/j4DxU0h11Z https://t.co/W87iUbVIuJ
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) May 31, 2022
This is definitely interesting because Ayton could very well be on his way out of the desert after the Suns failed to give him an extension prior to this season. The Raptors would love to acquire a player like Ayton, too. He's a restricted free agent this summer which means a sign-and-trade could be the most viable option.
Ayton enjoyed a solid campaign with the Suns, averaging 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 63% from the field. He was also impressive in the playoffs, serving as one of Phoenix's best players. But, there were reports that he and head coach Monty Williams clashed heads at times.
The Raptors' depth at the five is extremely thin. A legitimate shot-blocker and rim runner like Ayton would be a massive addition to Toronto's current core of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Scottie Barnes.
Expect Masai Ujiri to make a move in Free Agency and if it turns out to be Deandre Ayton, Raps fans will be delighted.
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