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NBA Free Agency: 3 best landing spots for Deandre Ayton

By Jack Simone

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 14: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns laughs before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 14, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 14: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns laughs before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 14, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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NBA Free Agency, Deandre Ayton
Apr 25, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) puts up a jump shot in the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center, NBA Free Agency: 3 best landing spots for Deandre Ayton. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Free Agency: 3 best landing spots for Deandre Ayton: Brooklyn Nets

As soon as Kevin Durant requested a trade, the Nets became a top landing spot for Ayton. Durant listed Phoenix as one of his preferred destinations, and Ayton would almost certainly be in that deal.

It was reported that Brooklyn would be asking for Devin Booker in a trade, but there’s no chance the Suns would do that. In turn, Ayton would have to be the primary asset in the trade.

At the same time, however, the Nets have no reason to tank. They traded almost all of their first-round picks to the Houston Rockets in the James Harden trade, so tanking for picks wouldn’t accomplish anything.

That means they should still be looking to put together a competent team, and starting off with a 23-year-old big man with star potential would be a great foundation.

As for Ayton, he couldn’t ask for a better situation to be in as a young player. It’s clear that the Suns simply don’t value him as much as he believes he should be valued.

In Brooklyn, however, Ayton would have complete freedom to be any player he wanted to be. He would immediately be one of their top options and there would be absolutely no pressure on him whatsoever.

dark. Next. 4 Kevin Durant trades for the Nets to consider

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