Report: Raptors Nearly Acquired Deandre Ayton Last Summer

The Toronto Raptors reportedly almost worked out a sign-and-trade to acquire Deandre Ayton from the Phoenix Suns over the summer

Deandre Ayton was nearly a member of the Toronto Raptors.

The Raptors were reportedly close to working out a sign-and-trade with the Phoenix Suns last summer that would have brought the 24-year-old to Toronto, according to TSN's Josh Lewenberg. Phoenix had been reluctant to offer Ayton a max contract but an offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers eventually forced their hand, ending any hope of a sign-and-trade for Toronto, and ultimately keeping Ayton in Phoenix this season.

Ayton hasn't quite lived up to his extension so far this year, barely taking a step forward in any statistical category. He's averaging just 17.8 points and 10.1 rebounds while shooting 57.4% from the floor, the second worst of his career. In later December, Toronto held him to just four points on 2-for-10 shooting.

It's unclear what Toronto would have had to give up to acquire Ayton in the summer, however, the Suns have long been connected to multiple Raptors players. They've reportedly been interested in Gary Trent Jr., Fred VanVleet, and O.G. Anunoby, according to reports. It's possible Toronto's previous interest in Ayton could help facilitate a trade deadline deal ahead of next Thursday.

Without Ayton, Phoenix doesn't have very many intriguing young players to make a deal with Toronto. It would likely have to be a deal involving future first-round picks.

Further Reading

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