Report: Pistons expected to pursue Suns' Deandre Ayton

The Detroit Pistons have already been active on the trade market, agreeing to trade forward Jerami Grant to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Trading Grant netted the Pistons the No. 36 pick in Thursday's draft and a first-round pick in 2025. 

The Grant deal also freed up cap space, which the Pistons may have earmarked for a big man. 

According to The Athletic's James L. Edwards, the Pistons are "heavily expected to pursue" Phoenix Suns' center Deandre Ayton. 

"After the trade, the Pistons have roughly $43 million at their disposal," Edwards wrote. "Per sources, Detroit is heavily expected to pursue Phoenix Suns big man and 2018 No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton in the open market."

Ayton should be a hot name on the market this offseason. Due for a rookie extension, Ayton reportedly wanted a max contract from the Suns but was rebuffed, creating tension between the two sides. Last month, Ayton's agent, Bill Duffy, confirmed Ayton's request for a max-deal, adding that the talented young center will look for an opportunity elsewhere. 

Ayton averaged 17.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 58 games this season for the Suns. 

In 13 playoff games, Ayton averaged 17.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 30.5 minutes per game.