Kyrie Irving is back in the fold with the Nets, but it seems they might still be on the hunt for another big name -- and big body -- to add to their lineup.
Audacy basketball insider Quinton Mayo thinks Phoenix Suns big man DeAndre Ayton could land in Brooklyn as part of a blockbuster trade.
Mayo has heard "some things" indicating the Nets could send sharpshooter Joe Harris, big man Nic Claxton, and perhaps second-year scoring guard Cameron Thomas to the Suns in exchange for Ayton, who was the first overall pick in 2018.
Brooklyn Nets. https://t.co/6xECDHI3Lo
— Quinton Mayo (@RealQuintonMayo) June 29, 2022
Just some things I’ve heard.
— Quinton Mayo (@RealQuintonMayo) June 29, 2022
A possible package landing Ayton in BKN, and sending out Nic Claxton, Joe Harris, and maybe Cam Thomas. https://t.co/LfDx0LgKiA
Ayton's departure from the Valley of the Sun has long seemed inevitable, with the former Arizona Wildcats standout and the Suns long unable to reach agreement on a contract extension. The Suns recently tendered a one-year qualifying offer to the restricted free agent.
Ayton projects as a nice fit in Brooklyn, with the Nets seemingly searching for a strong interior presence to potentially replace Andre Drummond, who started at center last season following his acquisition as part of the James Harden-Ben Simmons swap.
Still only 23, Ayton has arguably fallen short of the lofty expectations of a No. 1 overall pick. He has yet to be selected to an All-Star team, though he has been a regular starter and a significant contributor to the Suns' playoff runs in each of the past three seasons, including a Finals berth in 2020-21. For his career, the 6-foot-11, 250-pounder is averaging 16 points on 60% shooting, 10.5 rebounds and 1 block per game in 31 minutes.
Meanwhile, arguably the most recognizable name mentioned by Mayo would be Harris. The 3-point specialist's tenure in Brooklyn has spanned six seasons and predated the arrivals of the Kevin Durant, Irving, and Simmons. His emergence has made him something of a fan favorite at Barclays Center, and he has twice led the league in 3-point percentage, though his role seems a bit redundant after the acquisition of fellow sharpshooter Seth Curry in the Harden deal.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram




