Rapsfan07 wrote:Well I can't see why Masai would ever want to take on Ayton.
Well for one, they tried to get him in the 2022 offseason: https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-nearly-acquired-deandre-ayton-from-the-phoenix-suns
The Raptors were reportedly close to working out a sign-and-trade with the Phoenix Suns last summer that would have brought the 24-year-old to Toronto, according to TSN's Josh Lewenberg. Phoenix had been reluctant to offer Ayton a max contract but an offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers eventually forced their hand, ending any hope of a sign-and-trade for Toronto, and ultimately keeping Ayton in Phoenix this season.
...
It's unclear what Toronto would have had to give up to acquire Ayton in the summer, however, the Suns have long been connected to multiple Raptors players. They've reportedly been interested in Gary Trent Jr., Fred VanVleet, and O.G. Anunoby, according to reports. It's possible Toronto's previous interest in Ayton could help facilitate a trade deadline deal ahead of next Thursday.