Detroit Pistons: 3 high-profile free agents to monitor this season
Deandre Ayton, Restricted Free Agent
The Suns failed to extend Deandre Ayton in the offseason, which means the former first overall pick can head to the open market. Ayton is by no means as talented as his draft classmates Trae Young or Luka Doncic, but he is still a very talented big on a Finals team.
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Ayton is a 60 percent shooter from inside the arc, so while he would not address the Detroit Pistons’ shooting issues he would boost the offense from the inside, which would take attention away from Jerami Grant and allow him to play a role he’s more comfortable with. Ayton is also a great rebounder, and the Pistons are sorely lacking in that department as well. Killian Hayes and Cunningham both are very good at taking the ball to the rack, so having a lob threat or just a dump-off option for an easy layup would alleviate some of their difficulties.
Ayton is also a phenomenal athlete who is incredibly strong, and no NBA team can ever have a shortage of players like that. Ayton’s role in Pheonix is well-defined and he seems to fit in very well, but there is one glaring reason why he might want out. The Suns’ ownership is facing an uncertain future as Robert Sarver has been revealed (allegedly) to be a piece of human garbage. Per the Donald Sterling incident, the NBA has no tolerance for racism or sexism. Ayton might want out before the house burns down. Maybe when it comes to finding tolerant ownership Detroit is not the best destination, but it is a definitive step up.