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Despite all of the hype that came with the Phoenix Suns trading for Kevin Durant back in February, their season ended in disaster last night.
The Suns were blown out at home by the Denver Nuggets in a Game 6 where they looked like they didn’t even show up to play.
The game saw Durant and Devin Booker struggle as the team attempted to force a Game 7 without both Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton.
Following the loss, it looks like Durant and Booker could need to get used to not having Paul and Ayton around.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Suns are expected to shop Paul and Ayton this offseason following the disappointing playoff exit.
After the Suns’ embarrassing exit in the second round, there could be some significant changes during new owner Mat Ishbia’s first summer in Phoenix.
ESPN story: https://t.co/peM9TBSDgU
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) May 12, 2023
Neither of these players being traded by the Suns would be much of a surprise.
Chris Paul is still a solid starter in the NBA, but is definitely not the star he once was and struggles to stay healthy. His contract is also very expensive, but it is non-guaranteed after next season, so any team that takes on his salary this offseason could move on after 1 year.
Deandre Ayton is also a very expensive player, having signed a 4-year, $133 million deal last offseason. However, he is just 24 years old and has averaged a double-double in each of his 5 NBA seasons.
Ayton’s time with the Suns has seemingly been on the verge of ending for some time now. He hasn’t been on the same page as Monty Williams for a while and the Suns didn’t extend his rookie contract until after an offer sheet from the Pacers made it impossible for them to sign-and-trade him.
According to MacMahon, sources say that Ayton would welcome a fresh start with a new team.
It’s looking like the Phoenix Suns are planning to give him that fresh start and give Paul one as well.