The Phoenix Suns and Deandre Ayton are at an impasse. On one hand, Phoenix would love to keep its star center in the fold and run it back next season, even if there are still doubts about paying him a max contract. On the other hand, Deandre Ayton and Monty Williams were involved in a feud during the postseason which may have burned the bridge in regards to rebuilding a positive relationship.

However, according to Matt Moore of The Action Network, the Suns have no intention of letting him leave without receiving something in return. 

Phoenix values Deandre Ayton, at least to a certain point. The big man has established a reputation as one of the best centers in the NBA over the past few years. He averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game to go along with a field goal percentage of over 63 percent in 2021-2022. The Suns understand that the current game of basketball revolves around perimeter players, so a guy like Ayton is a rare breed, but this is also a reason why they didn't sign him to a max extension before this season.

The Suns have a number of options. They could re-sign him and hope that Ayton and Williams repair their relationship. Remember, Phoenix can either just re-sign Ayton or match any offer sheet he signs because of his restricted free agent status. The Suns could also opt to re-sign him with the idea of trading him down the road. That way, they wouldn't be forced into rushing a deal.

But if Ayton doesn't want to be in Phoenix, a sign-and-trade is a possibility. The Suns should get plenty of value on the market for the big man this offseason. The final, less preferable option, is to simply let Ayton walk in free agency, but that would be a brutal outcome after taking him first overall in 2018.

If Ayton does indeed leave, Phoenix must get something back.