Suns Won't Trade Center Deandre Ayton, Per Report

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is as polarizing as they come.

Ayton became the franchise's sole No. 1 pick and has flashed some of the potential Phoenix saw back in 2018. His ability on the offensive end of the floor on top of his length/presence around the rim was exciting for any center prospect coming into the league.

The hope was for him to reach his potential and form one of the best duos in the league with guard Devin Booker, who has indeed held his end of the bargain - Ayton not so much.

Ayton's consistently found himself in trade rumors over the last few seasons, for a variety of reasons. His inconsistency, lack of tenacity and overall demeanor has been questioned by many.

So during a period when new Suns owner Mat Ishbia is changing nearly everything from the coaching staff to the roster, it's no surprise Ayton again finds himself in trade speculation as the summer approaches.

Arizona Sports' Suns insider John Gambadoro previously reported the Suns were likely to bring Ayton back due to the lack significant packages built in exchange for him.

Earlier this week, Gambadoro doubled down.

"I am sticking with what I have been saying these last few days. It is very unlikely the Suns will trade Deandre Ayton," Gambo wrote in a tweet.

I am sticking with what I have been saying these last few days. It is very unlikely the Suns will trade Deandre Ayton.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) June 23, 2023

After the Bradley Beal trade, the Suns' best opportunity to acquire more depth for the roster would come in the form of dealing Ayton thanks to Phoenix already being up against the luxury tax - they're already at $175 million with another $41.7 million in cap holds according to Spotrac.

However, NBA on TNT insider Chris Haynes confirmed Gambo's earlier report in a tweet on Sunday morning:

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

Though his future could still change over the course of the summer, it looks like Phoenix will roll with Ayton in the starting lineup.