Report: Teams 'lining up' to acquire Deandre Ayton from Suns

May 15, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) against the Dallas Mavericks in game seven of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: NBA teams are 'lining up' to acquire Deandre Ayton from Suns

By Adam Stites | Last updated 5/16/22

Deandre Ayton may have played his last game with the Phoenix Suns on Sunday when he was on the court for just 17 minutes in a 123-90 Game 7 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

The 2018 first overall pick is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason and there is reportedly no shortage of teams interested in acquiring Ayton as a free agent or via trade.

"It's going to be, really, one of the stories of this offseason because Deandre Ayton -- there are a lot of teams lining up to figure out, 'How can we acquire him?'" ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday.

Ayton, 23, reportedly wanted a maximum contract extension last offseason, but was rebuffed by the Suns, who couldn't reach an agreement with the center ahead of the deadline for a rookie extension.

Wojnarowski said Monday that Ayton "did not feel valued" by the team heading into the season and the Game 7 loss likely didn't help.

Suns coach Monty Williams said the decision to have Ayton on the floor for just 17 minutes was "internal," and Ayton was spotted on the bench appearing to say, "I can't pass myself the ball."

Pretty sure this was Ayton saying "I can't pass myself the ball" to Monty Williams right after getting benched 3 minutes into the second half last night. #HeGone pic.twitter.com/bZjhFXWFhy
— sreekar (@sreekyshooter) May 16, 2022

Ayton finished the loss with five points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. He averaged 17.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 29.5 minutes per game during the regular season.

If Ayton signs with a team as a free agent, the Suns will have the right to match the offer sheet. Phoenix could also negotiate a sign-and-trade deal with a team interested in acquiring the center. Wojnarowski mentioned the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers as teams with plenty of cap space to pursue Ayton.

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