The Denver Nuggets eradicated the Phoenix Suns in six video games, even giving them fairly the beating in Sport 6. Phoenix got here into the playoffs with lofty expectations after buying celebrity Kevin Durant on the commerce deadline. In that deal, Phoenix despatched away Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson, two younger forwards that performed pivotal roles for the group.

Within the sequence with the Nuggets, it was obvious that the Suns lacked the depth wanted to win a title. Deandre Ayton is likely one of the gamers that could possibly be traded this offseason. Ayton didn’t have a great sequence towards two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who dominated the Suns large man on each side of the ground. Head coach Monty Williams even opted to play Jock Landale over Ayton in sure conditions all through the sequence.

Ayton’s disagreement with teaching has been well-documented over the previous couple of seasons. He signed with the Indiana Pacers this offseason, however the Suns matched the provide sheet to carry him again. In his exit interview, Ayton mentioned, “I like Phoenix, man. Actually, I’m gonna proceed to play arduous for Phoenix.”

Whereas Ayton might need to keep in Phoenix, the entrance workplace could also be prepared to maneuver on from their former no. 1 total choose. The Suns want extra depth and will use a defensive heart alongside the duo of Devin Booker and Durant.

It was reported that the Suns shall be buying Ayton and Chris Paul this offseason. With that mentioned, listed here are the 4 greatest locations for the disgruntled Suns star.

For years the Portland Path Blazers have needed to encompass Damian Lillard with extra expertise. Nevertheless, Portland finds itself far-off from title competition yr after yr. If the Blazers determine to decide to Lillard once more and attempt to compete within the Western Convention, they may pursue Ayton.

Jusuf Nurkic has not been the reply for Portland at heart. In an Ayton commerce to the Blazers, Phoenix would look so as to add depth. They may tackle Nurkic at heart and convey one other rotational participant or two. Gamers like Nassir Little, Cam Reddish or Matisse Thybulle could possibly be choices so as to add wing depth.

This commerce may make sense if Portland desires to shake issues up and Phoenix desires so as to add depth in an Ayton deal.

The Chicago Bulls have been listed as a group within the combine for Ayton. Chicago is in an interesting scenario for the time being. The Bulls had been a stable group within the 2021-22 season after signing DeMar DeRozan in free company. Nevertheless, they dropped off this season and had been eradicated within the play-in event.

There are numerous completely different instructions that they may take this offseason. Heart Nikola Vucevic is a free agent, so their curiosity in Ayton is sensible. A commerce would doubtless deal DeRozan or Zach LaVine to Phoenix. DeRozan is extra prone to be dealt as he’s the older of the 2. Nonetheless, contemplating that Ayton’s worth is at an all-time low proper now, Chicago would possibly need to ask for extra in a deal for the Phoenix large man.

LaVine and Ayton could possibly be a stable duo with the precise items round them. The query is, would the Suns need one other star in comparison with extra depth? We’ll should see, however Chicago is a gorgeous touchdown spot.

The Dallas Mavericks are among the many groups inquisitive about Ayton this offseason. It was a serious collapse for Dallas after the deadline once they acquired star guard Kyrie Irving. Irving and Luka Doncic weren’t capable of determine issues out, and their protection and depth had been atrocious.

The Mavs have an attention-grabbing offseason forward, with Irving hitting the free company market. A rumored sign-and-trade of Irving to Phoenix and Ayton to Dallas is an possibility. It could reunite Irving and Durant after taking part in with one another with the Brooklyn Nets. Nevertheless, that’s unlikely, as Dallas would doubtless need to construct round Irving and Doncic reasonably than commerce one away.

A extra doubtless commerce to ship Ayton to the Mavs would contain position gamers like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Maxi Kleber, plus a draft choose or two. This is able to give Dallas the improve at heart they want, whereas Phoenix will get extra depth and replenishes a few of the draft capital they traded away within the Durant deal. The Mavericks would nonetheless have to handle their protection, however Ayton can be an improve at heart.

The Golden State Warriors have a really attention-grabbing offseason forward. Of their sequence with the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s evident that they want a brand new heart. Draymond Inexperienced will hit free company if he opts out of his participant possibility, they usually could also be destined to retool their championship core.

Jordan Poole has been linked in a ton of trades this offseason after a subpar playoff run. Poole was given a four-year, $128 million extension final offseason and has carried out a lot better in video games the place Stephen Curry is out.

Buying and selling away Poole for an enormous man would make a ton of sense. Poole may develop into their place to begin guard if the Suns transfer on from Paul. Buying Ayton would give the Warriors the very best heart they’ve had throughout Curry’s tenure.

A high-quality heart across the core of Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins can be an attention-grabbing dynamic. Inexperienced would complement Ayton properly within the frontcourt if he decides to take his participant possibility or re-sign with Golden State.

The Suns have a variety of work to do that offseason as they retool their roster round Booker and Durant. An Ayton commerce might go down, and these 4 groups could possibly be within the combine.