Phoenix Suns reportedly make decision on Deandre Ayton's future with team

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton has been rumored to be on the trade block following the franchise’s acquisition of guard Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards this week.

Chris Haynes of TNT/Bleacher Report is now reporting, however, that Phoenix plans to hold onto Ayton and keep its “Big 4” consisting of the 2018 No. 1 overall pick, Beal, forward Kevin Durant and guard Devin Booker.

“Suns believe Ayton’s value to the franchise is at an all-time high with the additions of Beal and Durant. Phoenix wants to see them play together,” Haynes tweeted Sunday.

Ayton, 24, is coming off another productive season. He averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game on 58% shooting from the field. In five seasons with the Suns, he has put up averages of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.

The Suns failed to advance far in the postseason despite acquiring Durant in a midseason trade from the Brooklyn Nets. Eventual NBA champions Denver Nuggets ousted the Suns in six games in the second-round. With the goal in mind of claiming its first NBA championship in franchise history, Phoenix acquired Beal for guards Chris Paul and Landry Shamet, four first round pick swaps (2024, 2026, 2028 and 2030) and six second round picks (2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2030).

Phoenix Suns add Bradley Beal to talent-laden roster

Beal, 29, averaged 23.2 points, 5.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game in 50 appearances in 2022-23. The three-time All-Star wrapped up his 11-year tenure with the Wizards as the franchise’s second-leading scorer.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bradley, Jordan [Goodwin] and Isaiah [Todd] to the Phoenix Suns as we continue to build one of the premier organizations in all of sports,” Suns Owner Mat Ishbia said in a statement Saturday. “Bradley Beal is one of the best players in the NBA… Brings so much to our team including incredible work ethic, great character, and the mindset of a champion.

“… I could not be more excited about how this organization is coming together heading into the upcoming season.”