The 2022 NBA offseason is going to provide a lot of intrigue. Because there are so few teams projected to have cap space, teams will have to get creative when looking to upgrade their rosters this offseason.
The restricted free agency group has some very good players in it. Leading the way is Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Ayton and the Suns failed to agree to a rookie extension before the deadline, as Phoenix ownership did not believe Ayton was worth the max contract that he was seeking.
As a result, Ayton will be a restricted free agent, providing the Suns a chance to match any offer sheet that he may sign. It would be shocking if their stance on giving Ayton a max contract hasn’t changed, as he continued to play at a high level throughout the season.
But, you never know what will happen in free agency. There aren’t many teams that will have cap space, but one of them is the Detroit Pistons. The No. 1 thing on their wish list this offseason? A center, which makes Ayton a prime candidate.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Suns Better Not Hesitate To Give Deandre Ayton Max Contract
Over at Bleacher Report, they put together a list of surprise landing spots for 10 of the top free agents this summer. Ayton made the list, with the Motor City being the surprise landing spot for him.
If Phoenix isn’t coming with a max offer, Ayton should have no issues finding one on the market from the Pistons. They are desperate to find a center to pair with Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and Ayton would be a great fit timeline and skill set wise.
Getting to max space wouldn’t be a difficult task for the Detroit Pistons, who would have one of the best young backcourt and frontcourt duos in the NBA. Selling Ayton on Detroit, who is still in the earlier stages of a rebuild, could be tough, but money talks. If he feels he is worth a max and the Suns aren’t offering him one, he will seek it out elsewhere.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Suns Better Not Hesitate To Give Deandre Ayton Max Contract
It would be shocking if Deandre Ayton were not wearing a Phoenix Suns uniform next season. He is a key part of their success and a foundational piece, turning only 24-years old in July. Should he leave The Valley, however, Detroit seems like a natural fit for him.
