Where Should Deandre Ayton Play Next?
With the recent news about the Phoenix Suns’ reluctance to re-sign All-Star center Deandre Ayton to a max contract, the NBA’s rumor mill just intensified as for where the first-overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft will end up next. Two playoff contenders immediately come to mind at that, and we’re here to break down these possible landing spots for the 23-year-old big man.
Nitrobetting is ready to dish out some timely assists to our bettors all throughout the 2022 NBA offseason and beyond. This time, let’s find out the three teams where Deandre Ayton might end up playing for come the 2022-23 NBA regular season.
Three Teams That Could Acquire Deandre Ayton This 2022 NBA Offseason
Deandre Ayton in 2022:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 28, 2022
17.2 PPG
10.2 RPG
63.4 FG%
30 double-doubles
Top 10 in PPG, RPG and FG% by a center. pic.twitter.com/zI7wxIsSgI
Utah Jazz
Even though the Suns would would rather avoid shipping Ayton off to a Western Conference playoff contender, it actually makes a ton of sense to see a lateral move at a key position with a trade involving the Jazz.
Utah’s own starting center, Rudy Gobert, has gotten more frustrated with his own team’s direction considering the boiling turmoil between him and Donovan Mitchell/ Thus, a virtual one-for-one trade of sorts involving these two big men could revitalize both sides’ game plan and clubhouse morale at the same time
Atlanta Hawks
Over the past few days, the Hawks have expressed their own interest in acquiring Ayton’s services. However, Atlanta is also hesitant to give the towering Bahaman a max contract themselves, most likely due to his recent bouts with injury. Nevertheless, recent reports have also stated that Ayton and the Suns have mutually agreed to a sign-and-trade scenario.
If Phoenix signs Ayton to a manageable contract that won’t break the Hawks’ bank, then a future trade could signal the start of a magnificent pairing in the A-T-L with Trae Young on the wings and Ayton in the post as a superb one-two punch.
Phoenix Suns
With no deal set in stone just yet, perhaps the wisest move for the Suns is to just commit with Ayton to the long-term deal that the former No. 1 overall pick, regardless of the cost. After all, Phoenix finished as a top-two team in the Western Conference during the regular season in back-to-back years with their current core of Ayton, Chris Paul, and Devin Booker.
The Suns still have a decent window to compete for the title even though Paul is getting up there in age. That being said, there’s still the option for them to to stay competitive in the league sticking to the status quo and pony up for a long-term deal to Ayton’s liking.
Where to bet on the 2022 NBA Draft with Bitcoin
Nitrobetting offers a solid channel for those who want to bet on the 2022 NBA Season with bitcoin. The power of crypto and its lightning-fast transactions make the entire NBA Draft betting more enjoyable. Create an account now and start winning BTC!
This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more NBA game previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Basketball betting odds on the sportsbook.
*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.
READ MORE: Will Kevin Durant Head to Phoenix?