It really looks like Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns' partnership is over. It has been a major talking point since they were eliminated from the 2022 playoffs in the second round, and the team's stance hasn't changed one bit.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Suns remain expected to “engage in serious sign-and-trade talks centered around Ayton.” Stein also highlighted the “external skepticism” about Phoenix's willingness to commit to the young center long-term.
Per Stein via Substack:
Who is the most prominent player likely to switch teams this offseason? I fumbled for the answer when I was asked on the spot, but I’ve since borrowed the excellent framing of the question in question for use when I speak with representatives from other teams. The name most cited when I ask: Phoenix’s Deandre Ayton. It’s Ayton ahead of Utah’s Rudy Gobert, Detroit’s Jerami Grant, Atlanta’s John Collins and Toronto’s OG Anunoby, as well as the stars whose current teams can significantly outbid the field in free agency, most notably Chicago’s Zach LaVine and Washington’s Bradley Beal.
Of course a lot can change between now and June 30 when free agency officially starts, but Deandre Ayton's situation with the Suns is certainly something to keep an eye on.
Ayton believes he is a max contract player, and there is a big possibility that other teams view him that way as well. However, clearly, the Suns are not one of them and are not that sold that he deserves the massive deal he is seeking.
With how things stand at the moment, Ayton might have really played his last game in Suns uniform.
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