Deandre Ayton offering big hint about his future?
Jan 3, 2020; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) against the New York Knicks at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
You may not need a crystal ball to see what lies ahead for Deandre Ayton.
Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic shared to Twitter on Monday an updated list of celebrity participants at Phoenix Suns center JaVale McGee’s upcoming charity softball game. Several of McGee’s teammates are slated to attend, including Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Payne, Cameron Johnson, Landry Shamet, Torrey Craig, and Ish Wainwright. Suns GM James Jones is also on the list of participants.
Updated list for JaVale McGee's JUGLIFE charity softball game. #Suns pic.twitter.com/SMY0JbjgeR
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) June 20, 2022
One prominent figure missing from the list though is Ayton. At such a Suns-heavy event, his absence here feels very loud (and potentially serves as a hint that he plans to leave the team).
Rankin had noted last month, after Phoenix’s elimination from the playoffs, that Ayton was featured on the promo for the event. Just a day later though, Ayton’s likeness was gone.
Deandre Ayton isn't listed as an confirmed participant, but is on the promo for JaVale McGee's Juglife Foundation Water For Life Charity Softball game June 22 at Chase Field. #Suns pic.twitter.com/gAnozS1vFC
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) May 25, 2022
Updated.
Cameron Payne for Deandre Ayton.
Payne is one of the confirmed participants for JaVale McGee's Juglife Foundation Water of Life Charity Softball Game as is Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges. https://t.co/ApRU7kDugw pic.twitter.com/qw1hlptfBC
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) May 26, 2022
This is consistent with the expected outcome for Ayton and the Suns. The ex-No. 1 overall pick appears to be on his way out after a contract impasse last offseason and a very disappointing playoff finish for Phoenix this year.
But it may not be all bad for the Suns if Ayton leaves. Reports are that there is a quality player they could get back in a possible Ayton sign-and-trade.