Deandre Ayton has been an expected trade candidate this offseason, but the Phoenix Suns’ decision to replace Monty Williams as head coach with Frank Vogel has improved his odds with the franchise.
Ayton is entering the second season of his four-year, $133 million contract.
“I think there’s a better chance than people think,” Brian Windhorst said of Aiden with the Suns.
“I think the chances are not negligible with the signing of Frank Vogel, who has a good track record in centers,” Zach Lowe responded.
“I think one of the reasons Frank Vogel got the job was because he had an idea of what to do with Deandre Ayton when he came along,” Windhorst said. “That doesn’t mean it’s going to work. Obviously, as an organization, they have a complicated relationship there. They don’t want to give it the most. Last year, he had a contentious relationship with his coach ».
«I heard that Matt Ishbia likes Deandre Ayton. I don’t know how true that is, but I heard he likes his game,” Lowe added.
“I know, they don’t start the season without the coach and the players liking each other,” Windhorst said, referring to the conflict between Ayton and Williamson. “Maybe they’ll be there on January 15, but they’re not now.”