NBA Rumors: Deandre Ayton "More Likely Than Not" Moving On From Phoenix

It's been a bit of a tumultuous year for Pheonix Suns' center Deandre Ayton. Oh, he was his usual beast in the middle during the regular season... But the way the season began, and the way it ended are signs that he is "more likely than not" leaving The Valley this summer. 

According to John Hollinger of The Athletic, sources say that Ayton will most likely be in a new destination next season.

DeAndre Ayton has likely played his last game in a Suns’ uniform, per @johnhollinger

“Sources tell The Athletic that it’s “more likely than not” that Ayton plays somewhere other than Phoenix next season.”
(h/t @TheAthleticNBA ) pic.twitter.com/vhAcaXyvcp

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 6, 2022

Hollinger says that he was "skeptical until I started talking to a few more people recently." The former VP of basketball operations in Memphis added that if the Suns can work out an acceptable sign and trade for Ayton, it will behoove them to move him. 

"For whatever reason," continued Hollinger, "I don’t think Phoenix is totally comfortable going forward with him on a big-money deal, and I think Ayton might be okay with going somewhere else if he can have a bigger offensive role."

Ayton was furious with the Suns for their refusal to offer him a rookie max extension before the season began, and then finished the year being benched by coach Monty Williams in the 4th quarter of their Game 7 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. 

 Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports