Deandre Ayton remains a free agent. While the Pheonix Suns look to both resolve the situation with their restricted free agent and look into the possibility of trading for Kevin Durant, the Indiana Pacers are lurking as a key X-factor in all of this.

The Pacers' interest in signing Ayton complicates matters. If Indiana can land the young center, Phoenix's trade package for Durant becomes worse. Making a three-team deal involving Myles Turner may not be enough for the Brooklyn Nets to send away Durant.

According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, the Ayton situation could be resolved soon. And it may be done by the Pacers causing chaos in the Durant trade market. The Toronto Raptors also remain a potential Ayton destination.

Durant's trade request sent shockwaves through the league, especially after Rudy Gobert got traded for a smorgasbord of players and first-round picks. With the Suns and Miami Heat rumored to be his preferred new teams, they are looking into avenues to acquire the superstar. Ayton, a 23-year-old who averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds last season, is an enticing trade chip.

The Suns can still use Ayton as a trade chip but only if he agrees to go to the new team. If he has his heart set on Indiana, the Suns will have to try to get the Pacers to trade away Myles Turner in a package for Durant.

The Pacers signing Deandre Ayton would give them a very good big man to play alongside Tyrese Haliburton, Chris Duarte and Bennedict Mathurin. It may also make them a mortal enemy of the Suns if Phoenix is unable to trade for Kevin Durant.