NBA Rumors: Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns Linked On Deandre Ayton Trade Talks

The Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns are two teams on everyone's radar as we now sit one week out from the February 9th trade deadline. This time, Suns' center Deandre Ayton is the subject of rumors. 

The Suns and Raptors continue to be linked to one another ahead of the trade deadline. This time, Deandre Ayton is connected to Toronto. https://t.co/rchDqWv7Mc

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) February 2, 2023

According to TSN's Josh Lewenberg:

Toronto was close to acquiring Deandre Ayton from Phoenix in a sign and trade last summer, according to a source. Perhaps there’s a deal to be made with the Suns, who are said to be one of Anunoby’s many suitors.

The Suns are one of many Western Conference contenders who are aiming to snag OG, if the Raptors are indeed ready to pull the trigger on dealing the 25-year-old 3-and-D wing beast.  

Obviously, the Raptors have interest in Ayton, if they tried to pull off a sign-and-trade for his this past summer. But it's worth noting that his play this season has been somewhat indifferent at times. He's still at his usual scoring and rebounding numbers, with 17.8 points and 10+ boards per game, but as noted by Kevin Zimmerman of Arizona Sports 98.7, the Suns center "has been subject to criticism due to his habit of shying away from contact in favor of finesse perimeter moves. On the defensive end, he has gone through bouts of inconsistency, enough to question his effort and focus levels."

Nevertheless, the Raptors seem poised to make some changes and shake things up, as the team has struggled with its current core to get on track all season long

“I would be shocked if they didn’t do anything,” said one high-ranking NBA executive, according to Lewenberg. 

Earlier, two NBA Insiders discussed two of the Suns' rivals working against each other in battling over Anunoby. 

Photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports