The Phoenix Suns, who failed to challenge for the championship, may start to change their power.
According to reporter Marc Stein of 『The Stein Line』, Phoenix will actively trade DeAndre Ayton (center, 213cm, 113kg) this summer.
Phoenix failed to challenge for the championship this season as well. In the last two seasons, he has stood out in the regular season. After winning the Western Conference in the last 2021 playoffs and advancing to the finals, they performed well in the regular season. However, in the playoffs, for two consecutive years, they suffered the loss of elimination at the middle gate.
This season, they brought in Kevin Durant, one of the best players in the league, ahead of the trade deadline. Instead of bringing Durant, he gave away a number of existing powers and many nomination rights, but brought Durant while maintaining the existing core power. Phoenix suddenly emerged as a strong contender for the championship, and was considered to be a sufficient threat to other clubs, including the Denver Nuggets.
However, Phoenix had to pack a house in the second round of the playoffs. He couldn’t get past the Western Conference Semifinals against Denver. Afterwards, Phoenix immediately fired manager Munty Williams, who showed regret over the management of the big game, including the appointment of players. We are currently looking for a new leader. Phoenix does not stop here and is expected to trade Ayton.
He re-signed with Phoenix last summer. He wanted to sign an extension contract prior to the last 2021-2022 season, but there was a difference of opinion. After the season, he became a restricted free agent. The Indiana Pacers offered him a four-year, $133 million contract. However, Ayton’s transfer was aborted as Phoenix agreed to the terms of the contract.
Ayton has appeared in 69 games this season. He recorded 18 points (.589 .292 .760), 10 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 30.4 minutes per game. He did his part without fail in preparing for business trips. However, he faltered somewhat in the playoffs. He averaged only 13.4 points (.550 .— .522) 9.7 rebounds and 1 assist in 31.9 minutes over 10 games. He showed less than the regular season.
In the playoffs, Phoenix relied too much on Durant and Devin Booker. There was little use of Chris Paul and Ayton. This reduced the number of strategies on its own. Above all, there were too many reliance on Durant and Booker’s one-on-one attacks. In the end, they couldn’t beat Denver, the best performer in the West this season.
Meanwhile,메이저놀이터 Phoenix is expected to secure Paul’s salary for the upcoming 2023-2024 season this summer. If not guaranteed, about $15.6 million is included in the salary cap. This is because it is not easy to find a guard like Paul in the transfer market. If you part with Ayton on the premise of taking Paul, it is important which player you bring. Ayton’s remaining contract is three years and approximately $101 million.