Just a few days ago DeAndre Ayton to the Phoneix Suns seemed like a slam dunk, and even though that is still the most likely scenario, Kawhi Leonard's reported desire to be traded from the San Antonio Spurs could change the Suns' stance.
According to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer, the Suns attempted to trade for Kyrie Irving last season and the team could try and do the same this summer with Leonard.
Several league sources told me they anticipate Suns general manager Ryan McDonough to probe a Leonard deal using the no. 1 pick….. There’s also a sense from league sources that the Suns presumed selection of Arizona big man Deandre Ayton at no. 1 isn’t a guarantee because of the outside possibility that they’ll get a good enough deal to trade down or out of the draft entirely. Now that Leonard reportedly wants out, anything is possible.
For the Suns to trade for Leonard, it would probably mean that they would need an agreement in place — though not official — that he would sign a long-term deal with the team.
Leonard only has two years left on his contract, last of which is a player option, and the Suns would have to decide if that's worth enough to pass up a chance on Ayton who might be a once in a generation player.
The Spurs would also have to decide if they want to trade Leonard, or if they still think there is a chance to repair the relationship.
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