After the Phoenix Suns traded for Bradley Beal, there was plenty of speculation that the team would next move on from big man Deandre Ayton.
That’s not happening apparently. According to TNT’s Chris Haynes, Phoenix is moving ahead with Ayton on its roster. The hope is that he’ll be able to complement the Suns’ “Big 3” of Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
“Suns believe Ayton’s value to the franchise is at an all-time high with the additions of Beal and Durant,” Haynes wrote on Twitter. “Phoenix wants to see them play together.”
Phoenix Suns are moving forward with the plan of keeping Deandre Ayton to play alongside Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 25, 2023
The No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, Ayton is a bit of a polarizing player for Suns fans.
His overall numbers are solid, and he’s averaged a double-double every season he’s been in the league. Last season, Ayton put up 18 points and 10 rebounds per game.
However, he’s also left fans wanting more from his performance, which led to the suggestion that Phoenix might look to move him in an effort to accrue depth for its top-heavy roster.
That option looks to be off the table though.