Jazz on the trail of Deandre Ayton?

The Utah Jazz has embarked on a huge summer project. The franchise transferred one of its centerpieces, Rudy Gobert, and collected a total of six first-round draft picks in 24 hours. But the front office of Danny Ainge would not intend to go into reconstruction for all that.

On the contrary, the Jazz wants to build a new workforce around Donovan Mitchell, from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. He does not aim to separate from his star, but to surround him. We can still expect many trades on the side of Salt Lake City.

The franchise’s plans remain unclear, but its first targets are beginning to emerge. Deandre Ayton in particular part of it, after John Gambadoro. Utah could send the assets it has recovered to try to recover it in a sign-and-trade with the Suns. The two teams have already discussed with Wolves a three-team transfer during the off-season.

Indeed, Phoenix continues to look for a way out for its pivot. His return to the workforce is less and less likely and some insiders describe a real divide between the player and his team. More specifically, its relationship with Monty Williamshis coach, and Chris Paul would be particularly bad. Starting the season with Ayton seems “untenable”, according to the Bleacher Report. The misfortune of some could make the happiness of others in this case.

The athletic interior comes out of an exercise at 17.2 points per game at 63.4% shooting and 10.2 rebounds on average. He disappointed during this playoff campaign, but has shown in the past that he can have a phenomenal impact in a competitive team. Pillar of the Suns finalists in 2021, he proved to be very valuable on both sides of the field in the postseason. Danny Ainge has many reasons to believe that he would form a very dangerous duo with Donovan Mitchell.

If it’s not Deandre Ayton, obviously several players are accessible in the market with so many draft rounds. Walker Kessler, 22nd pick this year and picked up in Rudy Gobert’s trade, is also an interesting asset. One could imagine the Jazz positioning itself on the file Kevin Durant, for example. A wacky scenario at first glance, but one that will definitely have to be watched.

Either way, Utah has what it takes to splurge in the offseason. If the project is good to go in pursuit of a title, they will make other equally important transfers. For sure.

The current Jazz squad:

• Guards : Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley, Pat Beverley, Malik Beasley, Jared Butler, Jordan Clarkson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
• Wings : Xavier Sneed, Bojan Bogdanovic, Rudy Gay, Jared Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro
• Bigs : Walker Kessler, Udoka Azubuike

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