As the 2022 NBA Draft quickly approaches, Deandre Ayton has emerged as one of the most in-demand players in the market. The Phoenix Suns have yet to make significant progress on an extension for their prized big man, which could point to the fact that the 23-year-old could be on his way out this summer.
Another name that has made headlines of late is Kyrie Irving, who himself has had issues with his contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets. According to a report by Ric Bucher of FOX Sports, Ayton could actually figure as a key piece in a potential blockbuster deal centered around Kyrie:
One league source is certain that Ayton will not be returning to Phoenix despite being a restricted free agent. He pointed to the Pistons as the likeliest landing spot, though a deal sending him to the Nets as part of a swap that moved Irving to a third team also was thrown out as a possibility.
As the above report states, the Pistons are the most likely destination for the Suns center right now. On Wednesday night, Detroit offloaded Jerami Grant and the $20.9 million he is owed for next season in order to clear cap space. This move could be seen as a precursor for a swoop on Ayton.
Be that as it may, the source still believes that Ayton taking his talents to Brooklyn to play alongside Kevin Durant is still a real possibility. The Suns won't get Irving in a potential three-team deal, though, but surely, they should still get a major asset in exchange for Ayton.