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Kendrick Perkins on Deandre Ayton: 'Another Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure'

During the 2022 NBA Draft, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins didn't hold back on his thoughts on Deandre Ayton.

Even during the 2022 NBA Draft, Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton still finds himself as a topic of discussion. 

Of course, the Suns still hold the keys to his future as a restricted free agent, yet the belief around Phoenix is the organization is ready to move on from Ayton. 

Through it's first few selections, the draft has produced plenty of surprises including the Orlando Magic selecting Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 pick. 

The Detroit Pistons have positioned themselves as prime contenders to make a run at Deandre Ayton in the offseason, which may have been emphasized by their most recent move to make $20 million in cap space available by trading Jerami Grant on Wednesday.

So naturally, when the Pistons made their selection with the No. 5 pick, Detroit grabbed guard Jaden Ivey to complete their backcourt with Cade Cunningham, the conversation on ESPN's draft show shifted towards their interest in Ayton.

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton

Kendrick Perkins on Deandre Ayton: One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure

"Another man's trash is another man's treasure," said Perkins on Ayton potentially landing in Detroit. 

"When we talk about Deandre Ayton, we talk about a guy who could average 20-10 and three blocks in this league. We're talking about a guy who's everything you want in that power forward/center position, and I think (Pistons GM) Troy Weaver has his eyes on Deandre Ayton." 

Last season, Ayton averaged 17.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game. 

Perkins has always been a fan of Ayton. Last summer, he compared Ayton to NBA legend David Robinson.

Kendrick Perkins Compares Deandre Ayton to David Robinson

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