The NBA offseason is in full swing and with free agency opening everything is about to be insanely crazy. One big name to keep a very close eye on is Phoenix Suns star center Deandre Ayton, who many believe will leave the Suns via a sign-and-trade. A team that many believe could make a run at him is the Indiana Pacers.
While the Pacers have been relatively counted out of the Ayton race over the past couple of weeks, that has changed once again. Indiana showed interest in a Domantas Sabonis for Ayton swap ahead of the NBA trade deadline before they acquire Tyrese Haliburton. However, they could circle back around now.
According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the Pacers are a team to watch closely in this situation.
“I would keep an eye on Indiana. [They] had some interest in [Deandre Ayton] at the trade deadline last year…I did check on this back then. Indiana was interested, but Phoenix didn’t want to touch their core.”
More than likely, any deal between the two teams would include Myles Turner being sent back to the Suns. Turner has been mentioned in a ton of trade rumors this offseason. Chad Buchanan, the Pacers’ general manager, did come out and state that the team wasn’t openly shopping Turner, but they are reportedly still listening to offers.
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Ayton would be a great addition for the young and rebuilding Pacers. They have already added Bennedict Mathurin with the No. 6 overall pick in the NBA Draft, and also added two other nice young pieces in the draft. Adding a talented 23-year-old center on a long-term contract would be an ideal move to make.
During the 2021-22 NBA season with the Suns, Ayton ended up averaging 17.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 0.7 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game. He shot 63.4 percent from the floor and knocked down 74.6 percent of his free-throw attempts. Losing Turner’s defensive presence would be tough for the Pacers, but Ayton would be a perfect fit with the young and athletic group of players they have put together.
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This is something to watch very closely in the coming days. Deandre Ayton and the Pacers have been a match made in heaven for awhile. Kevin Pritchard and company might look to swing big on him this offseason.
