Should the New York Knicks trade for Deandre Ayton?

Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns were unable to reach an agreement before the Monday contract extension deadline, opening the door for a possible trade for the former first overall pick.

Ayton, 23, is an incredibly talented big man but has not been the number one overall pick that the Suns have hoped for so far, but he has shown promise. Ayton wants a max contract extension after averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds per game on 62% from the field.

Ayton does not seem to be too thrilled the Suns refused to give him a max deal, so we can see his name pop up in multiple trade rumors this year if the Suns do not want to pay him.

So, the question lies, should the New York Knicks trade for Deandre Ayton?

It is unclear how much Ayton would cost for the New York Knicks to acquire him, but it would definitely have to be a good enough package to let go of the 2018 1st overall pick.

Ayton has played an important role in the Suns’ success, being a double-double threat who works very well in the pick and roll with Chris Paul, who tends to bring out the best in centers.

The Suns’ big man was impressive in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, especially in the Western Conference Finals, averaging 18 points and 14 rebounds per game as the Los Angeles Clippers struggled to find an answer for him.

His playoff production plays a part in why Ayton feels he deserves a max deal. Suns owner Robert Sarver thinks differently.

This is nowhere near the first time Server has refused to pay his former first-round picks what they feel they deserve.  Back in 2005, Joe Johnson was put in the same boat and commented that Sarver is again not paying an incumbent part of a successful Suns team.

At this point, it is reasonable for both sides to want to end this relationship. Ayton just three years ago was the first overall pick and looked like a lock to be a future superstar in the NBA.

The Suns can still trade Ayton for a package that keeps them in title contention, and the Knicks could be the team that can offer them what they would need.