Let's Set Odds: Which Team Will Deandre Ayton Play for Next?

Four years ago to the week, the Phoenix Suns drafted Deandre Ayton first overall – ahead of Luka Doncic, Trae Young and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Now, after two of the best seasons in franchise history and an NBA Finals appearance, the Suns look willing to part with Ayton. 

It’s been reported that Ayton and the Suns have not seen eye-to-eye in contract negotiations. The impasse is simple; Ayton sees himself as a max player. The Suns do not. 

As a result, the rumors have begun to swirl about if Ayton will be traded or if the Suns will simply refuse to match an offer sheet that comes in for him. 

With all the noise surrounding Ayton, let’s set odds for where the young star will play next year. 

Where Will Deandre Ayton Play in 2022?

Detroit Pistons (+100)

The Pistons have been the team most connected to Ayton. With Jerami Grant gone, there is a hole in the front court for this young Pistons team. The Pistons have a nice cornerstone piece in Cade Cunningham and would have a dynamic one-two punch with Ayton there. Detroit also has the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft, which means it could be on the verge of creating a nucleus that can bring the team back to a competitive state.

San Antonio Spurs (+350)

San Antonio has been looking for a centerpiece of its franchise since Kawhi Leonard left. Dejounte Murray has made an All-Star team, but he’s reportedly in trade rumors as well. If the Spurs decide to keep Murray, pairing him with a skilled big like Ayton would be a great combination for the future. The Western Conference is loaded, but Ayton moving teams would bring the Spurs closer to the playoffs again. 

Phoenix Suns (+500)

When there’s this much smoke, there has to be a fire. The Suns have historically been one of the teams more concerned with cap space, luxury tax and saving money rather than winning. If the Suns have already labeled Ayton as a “non-max player,” I’m not sure he can do much to change their mind. 

The Suns are at the end of their championship window, which will be closed if Ayton leaves. The Suns were handing out money and specifically left Ayton out of the party. I find it hard to believe they change their mind now. 

Brooklyn Nets (+650)

This option needs a lot of things to happen, but the possibilities are there. First, Kyrie Irving and the Nets would need to go their separate ways. Then, Kevin Durant would have to be disgusted if the Nets let Irving walk and request a trade. After those two steps, Brooklyn would have to try and salvage whatever they have left of this era and do a sign and trade for Ayton. 

Again, several things need to happen, yet the NBA never fails to surprise us. 

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.