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NBA Trades: 5 potential suitors for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns

By Jake Weinbach

Feb 3, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) controls a rebound in front of Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) controls a rebound in front of Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Trades, Phoenix Suns, Deandre Ayton
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 12: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic during the first half at Footprint Center on February 12, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Magic 132-105, NBA Trades: 5 potential suitors for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades: 5 Deandre Ayton suitors for Phoenix Suns: 2. Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic are in the midst of a full rebuild and should be looking to continue to add youthful talent to improve their long-term outlook. Acquiring Deandre Ayton would certainly be a major addition to the young core as another substantial piece to build around.

Ayton would become one of the main focal points offensively and join a talented team with other young stars such as Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter Jr., and the 2022 No. 1 overall pick, which will likely be Auburn forward Jabari Smith. If Ayton prefers to seek a much larger role in free agency, the Magic would be an appropriate fit.

Orlando has plenty of cap space to absorb Ayton with a max contract or pursue a sign-and-trade deal with Phoenix by offering a possible combination of Mo Bamba, Terrence Ross, picks, or other growing prospects. Given the Magic’s appetite for elite young talent and long-term vision, they could become a sneaky suitor for Deandre Ayton in free agency this year.

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