The Phoenix Suns, under new ownership, have caused some of the biggest waves in the NBA world over the past months. They acquired two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets in February and also brought in Bradley Beal a few days ago. It seems the team is not done with their business. They currently have some of the highest salaries in the league and the team will be looking to make some sacrifices.

2018 #1 pick DeAndre Ayton might be the next unload after Chris Paul. Insider reports reveal Ayton to be very close to joining Durant’s former teammate.

Trade rumor rocks the NBA world hours after viral Kevin Durant clip

Some major deals have happened on draft night, which have changed basketball history. The 2023 NBA draft was rather uneventful. However, it seems a major trade was on the cards.

The Suns and the Dallas Mavericks were in discussion ahead of the draft this year. DeAndre Ayton, one of the highest-paid players on the Suns’ roster, was set to join Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic in Dallas. 

“The Phoenix Suns engaged in advanced discussions to trade former No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton to the Dallas Mavericks last week during the NBA Draft before the talks stalled,” wrote NBA insider Marc Stein.

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Although the talks have stalled, Stein does not rule out a resumption and eventually, a trade. Stein also reported that Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, and JaVale McGee were the players set to join the Suns. 

This comes just hours after Durant and Devin Booker were spotted in The Bahamas. The two engaged in a brief practice session at the Kendal GL Issacs Gymnasium in The Bahamas. The session instantly sent a buzz across the NBA world on Twitter.

Ayton’s exit might save the Suns a hefty fine

The Suns have one of the best teams in the NBA on paper. While a frontcourt of Durant, Booker, and Bradley Beal sounds exciting, the team has to pay a huge amount of money to them.

The Suns will roughly be paying KD, Booker, and Beal $50 million each! Moreover, Ayton earns a hefty amount of money as well. As a result, they exceed the salary cap and might have to pay a historically high $90 million in luxury taxes. For this reason, Ayton’s exit makes sense. 

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What are your thoughts on the potential DeAndre Ayton trade? Let us know in the comments below.