Atlanta Hawks

Report: Hawks, Pistons, Blazers, Hornets and Spurs mentioned as potential suitors for Deandre Ayton

Published by
Jonathan Sherman

With the 2022 NBA Playoffs nearing a climactic conclusion next month, many basketball fans are already looking forward to offseason storylines.

One such storyline surrounds Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton. Ayton, who was the No. 1 overall selection of the 2018 NBA Draft, is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. Though the Suns could of course match any offer he receives from another team, rumors have pointed to some fissures between the two sides.

Beyond that, it looks like a laundry list of opposing organizations within the NBA might have interest in the young player.

According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets and San Antonio Spurs have been mentioned as potential suitors for Ayton.

“Now, there are three teams most often linked by league personnel as Ayton’s potential suitors on the open market: Atlanta, Detroit and Portland,” Fischer reported. “Multiple team executives also pointed to Charlotte, with a clear hole at center, and San Antonio, one of the few teams with significant cap space, as possible landing spots for Ayton.”

Wherever Ayton ends up, it’s clear that he’s going to get a big deal based on the level of interest he is garnering.

This season, the 6-foot-11 center averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Through four seasons in the league, he has proven to be one of the better young big men. However, he has yet to take the leap necessary to become a fully fledged star.

Clearly, the teams that are interested in him still see a fair amount of potential. It will be fascinating to see if one of the aforementioned teams makes a major push for Ayton. It will also be interesting to see whether or not the Suns try to hold onto him or simply let him go.

Jonathan Sherman

Jonathan has worked as a sports writer covering NBA and NFL news since 2017. He's a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Vikings.

Published by
Jonathan Sherman

Recent Posts

Hall of Famer claims Steph Curry would’ve averaged 17 PPG or less in his era: ‘We would’ve hurt him’

An anonymous Hall of Famer allegedly told ESPN's Stephen A. Smith that if Golden State…

12 hours ago

Report: NBA GM believed Grizzlies would have had to shop Ja Morant this summer before they fired Taylor Jenkins

Earlier on in the year, long before the Memphis Grizzlies dismissed Taylor Jenkins after he…

1 day ago

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

2 days ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

4 days ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

6 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

6 days ago