The only two things for certain when it comes to the future of Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is:
1. He'll be playing basketball (virtually and on the actual court)
2. He'll be making a lot of money doing so.
Ayton heads into this offseason as a restricted free agent, meaning he can sign a deal with another team and the Suns have two days to either match the offer or let him walk.
After drafting him No. 1 overall just a few years ago, Phoenix isn't intent on letting him walk … for free.
A sign-and-trade looks very likely, although some of the parameters that need to be met are tricky for the Suns to deal him thanks a number of factors that include the luxury tax, BYC (Base Year Compensation) and others.
*If you're looking for a better understanding on the situation, you can click here. If you're REALLY looking to grasp every inch of what lies ahead, SB Nation’s Dave King wrote a deep-dive into the financial mechanics of the Ayton situation.*
We've seen a wild amount of mock trades and landing spots for Ayton, and even oddsmakers have given their input on where he will end up in 2023.
Suns Tied for Second-Best Odds to Have Deandre Ayton Next Season
The following odds are on Bovada for where Ayton will play next:
Detroit Pistons +225
Indiana Pacers +275
Phoenix Suns +275
San Antonio Spurs +650
Charlotte Hornets +800
Portland Trail Blazers +1000
Although outside signs suggest Ayton is probable to be traded, it is interesting oddsmakers have essentially narrowed down his path to three choices: Detroit, Indiana or Phoenix.
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