The market for Suns center Deandre Ayton has slowed in the wake of Kevin Durant‘s trade request, but ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski expects it to pick up soon. Appearing on “NBA Today” (video link), Wojnarowski said Durant’s availability affects the few teams with remaining cap room as well as teams that might be considering a sign-and-trade deal for Ayton.
He added that the “worst-case scenario” for Phoenix is that somebody will give Ayton a maximum offer sheet, which the Suns will have to decide whether or not to match. If Ayton’s offer is matched, it will be a full year before he’s eligible to be traded again.
Phoenix, of course, is one of the teams Durant reportedly wants to join, and the details of an Ayton trade could affect what the Suns can offer to the Nets. Wojnarowski said the Durant situation has “complicated the timing” of Ayton’s free agency process.
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- Gabriel Lundberg, who ended the season on a two-way contract, returned to Denmark rather than play in Summer League because the Suns wouldn’t offer him any guarantees, writes Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “I didn’t want to risk playing in the Summer League without having some kind of security,” said Lundberg, who appeared in four games after joining the team in March. “They didn’t want to give me that, so I went home. I can’t risk getting injured without having a deal. My family depends on me to provide for them.” Lundberg hasn’t signed a new contract overseas yet, but said he has received multiple offers.
- As the Lakers discuss a potential Kyrie Irving trade with the Nets, they’ve also checked on Rockets guard Eric Gordon and Pacers guard Buddy Hield, Wojnarowski said on “NBA Today” (Twitter link). Both are former clients of general manager Rob Pelinka, and L.A. came close to trading for Hield last summer before deciding to pursue Russell Westbrook.
- Warriors center James Wiseman isn’t expected to play in Friday’s game, but the team plans to use him at some point during Las Vegas Summer League, tweets Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Wiseman, who missed the entire season due to right knee issues, participated in a 5-on-5 scrimmage Tuesday. Jonathan Kuminga joined the team today and is also expected to see some game action (Twitter link).
Why in the world would Wiseman not play? “They’re planning on using him at some point…” this was his Super Bowl the fact that he can’t answer the bell is a tell tale sign this guy is not going to make it.
The Super Bowl is in football. Wiseman has played more games in his 1st 2 seasons than Embiid. Do you think Embiid is a bust? Of course you do.
True for Embiid does not mean true for Wiseman. Embiid is rare; Wiseman has not shown to be at that level. How many players have missed two years then missed entirely?— IDK, many, their names are forgotten.
Lol u bring up the exception. That’s like saying bill Clinton grew up dirt poor and fatherless so most people who grow up dirt poor and fatherless will become president. Most centers with aytona injury history at such a young age are never able to play consistently. U don’t get healthier as u get older. He has talent no doubt but at this point he seems hardcore I just prone. And even bringing up embid, lol he misses games every playoff run
The lakers have nothing to offer for Gordon or Hield
Gordon is supposedly maybe getting cut
They have two future firsts that seem like they may be high cause lebron and ad won’t be there. They got stuff
Y’all don’t be Knowin what the hell Yall talkin bout