via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 25: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket as Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns defends during the second half at Barclays Center on April 25, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 25: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket as Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns defends during the second half at Barclays Center on April 25, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Kevin Durant was hopeful of joining the Phoenix Suns after he gave his trade request. But those dreams might just be dashed if recent news goes by. ESPN journalist Brian Windhorst has said that the Indiana Pacers are very close to signing Suns’ 7ft star DeAndre Ayton. The Phoenix no.5 had already given his notice to his current franchise.
Ayton wanted a max contract, but the Suns were refusing. This has forced him to find other destinations in the NBA. It looks like the Pacers are the favorites to land him and it will be a great signing for them.
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The NBA star is still young and can develop to be a great player on the court. Many have compared him to the likes of David Robinson and Anthony Davis. Ayton sees himself as more of a Hakeem Olajuwon-style player. His nimble-footedness as a big man can be a significant asset. The Pacers have been interested in the big man since February of this year.
Brian Windhorst:
“We believe that the Indiana Pacers are very close to giving Deandre Ayton an offer sheet or executing a sign and trade.. We could see something.. as early as today.” pic.twitter.com/PMczjHpmmq
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 11, 2022
Myles Turner will be the unfortunate ‘casualty’ if this deal takes place. The young Indiana center will go to the Suns and will be included in any deal that involves Ayton. This potential deal also might leave Durant out cold.
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How the Ayton trade affects Kevin Durant?
Kevin Durant had asked for a trade from the Brooklyn Nets a few weeks back. He was looking at either the Phoenix Suns or the Miami Heat. Durant is a valuable player for Brooklyn. They signed him and Kyrie Irving in 2019 so that they can get an NBA title as quickly as possible.
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But these hopes have imploded after just three years. Both Irving and Durant want to leave the franchise. But the Nets are not giving up so easily. They want a ‘historic haul’ for the Slim Reaper. The package would have to include a current NBA All-Star player and more than a few draft picks.
The Suns were offering them DeAndre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and five first-round picks. Nets found this insufficient as they don’t value Ayton much and with recent news, the Suns are definitely on the back foot now.
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After the Rudy Gobert trade, things have become more expensive in the NBA. Getting Durant involves gutting your team somewhat. The question is which team would like to pay that price for a 34-year-old?
