The Indiana Pacers are willing to do whatever it takes to sign DeAndre Ayton from the Phoenix Suns , but the Kevin Durant drama has become a major obstacle in their pursuit.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Pacers are considering giving Ayton an offer and even working with the Suns on a sign-and-trade for the big man. . However, as the Suns focused on chasing Durant from the Brooklyn Nets, the Pacers did not make any substantial progress in chasing Durant.
Additionally, if the Suns were to trade Durant, Ayton could be part of the deal in some way. Ayton is a restricted free agent, so the Suns can match any offer he receives and have complete control over his destiny.
"The Indiana Pacers are seriously considering making him (DeAndre Ayton) an offer. They are also interested in negotiating a sign-and-trade for Ayton with the Phoenix Suns, possibly with Myles Turner replaces Ayton at center. But the Suns' negotiations for Durant are holding everything back, and this may not end soon, and Ayton may have to leave and make his own deal," Windhorst explained.
It is widely believed that the Kevin Durant trade may take weeks or even months to complete. Considering the high demands of the Nets , the Suns may need one or two more teams to make this happen and get the return Brooklyn wants.
Of course, this is bad news for the Pacers because it means they may lose Ayton.
Nothing is set in stone yet, although Indiana certainly hopes the Ayton situation develops in their favor.
