The Atlanta Hawks have addressed their need for frontcourt depth this offseason with a brilliant trade for Kristaps Porzingis and the selection of Asa Newell on draft night. Even so, they could take a look at another big man who just became available out of nowhere. In a shocking turn of events, Deandre Ayton has entered free agency after a contract buyout with Portland.
Ayton has undeniable talent on the offensive end, excelling as a rebounder and midrange shooter since he entered the league as the No. 1 pick in 2018. The seven-footer has a 43.5-inch vertical and is one of 19 players in NBA history to average a double-double in each of his first seven seasons. His 7-foot-6 wingspan and jump-out-the-gym athleticism make him a dangerous pick-and-roll threat with rim-protecting upside on the defensive end.
However, Ayton has often struggled to tap into that upside. Questions surrounding his motor and aggression have followed him throughout his career, and his consistent lapses in defensive intensity and overall awareness haven’t helped his case. After all, an offensive talent like Ayton doesn’t get bought out at 26 years old for no reason.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, Ayton wants to play in a ‘winning situation’ next season. With the Hawks primed to climb the ranks of a wide-open Eastern Conference, Ayton would certainly enter a favorable situation in Atlanta – but he may not get the playing time he desires.
Deandre Ayton not an ideal fit for the Hawks
While the Hawks have done well developing their talent in recent years, Ayton could be a lost cause in that department. His fluctuating consistency and effort suggest that he would struggle to accept a bench role.
The Hawks have the cap space to emerge as strong bidders in the Ayton sweepstakes, but it may not be worth it for Onsi Saleh and the front office. Ayton’s baggage seems like an unnecessary gamble for a team with as much frontcourt depth as Atlanta. Besides, the Hawks already have more than enough young talent to build for the future.
If Ayton wants to land a starting role somewhere, he will likely consider the Los Angeles Lakers as a destination. L.A. has made it clear they are in the hunt for a starting center this offseason, and Ayton is their most talented option on the market. The former Sun will likely demand no less than a mid-level exception for his next contract.
The Hawks have been linked to much more reliable MLE targets than Ayton, and they could use less money to re-sign Larry Nance Jr. as an insurance big to fill out one of their five open roster spots. Atlanta has already laid the groundwork for a promising foundation this offseason. They don’t need Ayton to cement that foundation.