The Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers are the three teams most often linked to a potential pursuit of Deandre Ayton in restricted free agency.
The Charlotte Hornets and San Antonio Spurs are also logical fits for Ayton.
The Phoenix Suns decided not to offer a five-year, $170 million max contract to Ayton last offseason and they also quietly gauged his trade value at the deadline. One structure that was discussed was with the Indiana Pacers for Domantas Sabonis.
Some around the league believe Monty Williams has been frustrated by Ayton’s “waning focus” and has contributed to inconsistent playing time.
The Suns may simply not view Ayton, or any center, as worth more than $30 million per season. Phoenix could then be amenable to a sign-and-trade for frontcourt help at a more affordable number.