As the 2022-23 NBA season is coming to an end, the offseason continues for the other 28 teams in the league.
The Phoenix Suns are expected to be one of the most active teams in free agency and the trade market.
Besides Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton has been mentioned in trade rumors in recent days.
Former player-turned-analyst Richard Jefferson expressed his opinion on this, saying that Ayton is pretty much gone from Phoenix.
“Everything I’ve heard and seen, Deandre Ayton is gone.”
Richard Jefferson on Ayton when talking about Chris Paul’s future in Phoenix and how #Suns can orchestrate roster if they trade Ayton and Paul.
Kendrick Perkins thinks Paul going to #Lakers would “shake up the league.” pic.twitter.com/GiqoyMUfJI
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) June 8, 2023
Fans had something to say about this, criticizing Jefferson’s take and trying to diminish his sources.
Rich is the ultimate Suns hater. Don’t believe a thing he says.
— Ander5827 (@loc12313) June 8, 2023
@Rjeff24 please be more specific about Deandre Ayton. Because he’s not gone. All Star season says Frank Vogel.
— AytonMuse (@humbl3rumbl3) June 9, 2023
Imagine the Lakers get Ayton (wishful thinking) and that way we have a true center
— Ryan Escalante (@ryryy_escalante) June 8, 2023
The Suns are working to get things going next season, and according to Frank Vogel, he will meet with Paul.
First, the new head coach vowed to get the most out of Ayton, and even predicted an All-Star-level season for the center.
This could be true, as Ayton reportedly had issues with former head coach Monty Williams.
Last offseason he wanted to leave the team and was ready to join the Indiana Pacers before Phoenix matched the Pacers’ offer.
Vogel brings a new perspective to the table, and Ayton could benefit from that.
He averaged 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 67 games last season.
He was heavily criticized for his lack of effort and intensity during the second-round series against the Denver Nuggets.
Now, with a new coaching staff and a fresh mindset, that can change.
It’s still early to tell, but Phoenix will have a lot of questions to answer this offseason.
NEXT:
Frank Vogel Opens Up About How He Coaches Star Players
