NBA Rumors: Detroit Pistons Targeting Deandre Ayton

Before the season, Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton was fuming over the team's refusal to offer him the max rookie extension that he was eligible for. He'll become a restricted free agent after the season, and sources say the Detroit Pistons will make a run at him. 

#Suns make stop in Detroit during five-game road trip.

Will their big man, Deandre Ayton, be on #Pistons summer radar?
https://t.co/WTt3irA1LG

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 12, 2022

Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report says Ayton could be a top focus of the Pistons, who will have tons of cap room to work with. A center of Ayton's caliber would be a great fit to add to the Cade Cunningham-led rebuilding squad. 

"The Pistons are believed to be targeting a big man with their projected cap room this summer. Deandre Ayton may be their primary target," wrote Pincus. 

Ayton was looking for the 5-year, $172M max rookie extension, but the Suns decided to wait it out for a season, leaving Ayton more than annoyed. It certainly hasn't affected his play, however, as his numbers are up across the board, and the Suns are back-and-forth with the Golden State Warriors for the best record in the NBA. 

Despite the rumored interest from the Pistons, Pincus suggests that it is fully expected that the Suns will do what they can to keep Ayton. 

The 23-year-old Ayton is averaging 16.8 points on a career-best 63% FG.