Phoenix Suns 2022 NBA free agency live updates: Speculation, rumors, news, trade reports

NBA free agents began negotiating with teams on Thursday at 3 p.m. Arizona time.

What could the Phoenix Suns do?

Follow our updates on Kevin Durant, Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder and the Phoenix Suns as NBA free agency continues.

More: Why Phoenix Suns' trade for Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant can't include Devin Booker

More: Why Kevin Durant wants to be traded to Phoenix Suns

Kevin Durant tweets for first time since reported trade request

Kevin Durant took to Twitter Saturday morning for the first time since he reportedly asked for a trade from the Brooklyn Nets.

"The ones who were locked in that gym with me know what it is, they know what I’m about. If u haven’t been in there with me, ask around," he tweeted.

Durant then replied to a couple of tweets from SI Now's Robin Lundberg.

Phoenix Suns agree to deal with Bismack Biyombo

The Suns have agreed to a deal to bring back Bismack Biyombo, Yahoo Sports Chris Haynes reported.

Biyombo averaged 5.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game with the Suns in 36 games last season.

Bringing back Biyombo was key as backup center JaVale McGee signed with the Dallas Mavericks and with starting center Deandre Ayton a restricted free agent.

Phoenix Suns agree to deal with Damion Lee

The Phoenix Suns have made their first move in free agency, agreeing to a deal with Damion Lee, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Lee, 29, averaged 7.4 points per game last season for the Golden State Warriors. He shot 44.1% from the field and 33.7% from three-point range.

Read more: Former Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee signs one-year deal with Phoenix Suns

Greg Moore: What are we talking about? The Phoenix Suns should go get Kevin Durant

The Arizona Republic columnist writes: "There are plenty of reasons to think a deal for Kevin Durant wouldn’t work. James Jones should ignore all of them. When a guy of this caliber wants to come to your city, you figure it out."

Click here to read his column.

Could Suns include Devin Booker in trade for Kevin Durant?

NBA insider Jake Fischer created a stir among some Phoenix Suns fans Thursday when he wrote that the Brooklyn Nets would want Devin Booker back in any trade for Kevin Durant.

The Bleacher Report writer wrote: "From Brooklyn's perspective, sources said, there's no deal to land Durant in Phoenix that doesn't start with sending back Devin Booker to Barclays Center. The Suns, of course, would likely hold the line firm. But early indications are the Nets brass is not particularly inclined to take a sign-and-trade that brings back restricted free agent Deandre Ayton."

Not so fast.

ESPN's Bobby Marks took to Twitter and appeared on ESPN to explain why the Suns couldn't include Devin Booker in a trade for Kevin Durant.

You can read his explanation here.

What would the Suns have to give up to acquire Kevin Durant?

The Ringer broke down some potential trade packages for the Nets star and it had Phoenix giving up Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, three first-round picks and two first-round swaps for Durant.

Dan Devine wrote: "As a starting point for an offer, a pair of 25-and-under two-way difference-makers who’ve already played pivotal roles on a Finals team isn’t half bad. Add in that Phoenix is reportedly one of Durant’s preferred destinations (not that Brooklyn’s required to send him to one of them, but still), plus the fact that the Suns—not exactly the most draft-stoked franchise in the NBA, as it turns out—own all of their future first-round picks, and it seems like there might be a plausible framework here."

Suns included in odds to trade for Kyrie Irving

DraftKings has Phoenix at +1800 to be Kyrie Irving's next team, which is ninth in its odds.

That may seem as a bit of a longshot, but the tenth teams in the odds are at +3000.

The Los Angeles Lakers are the overwhelming favorite to land Irving, with odds at -125.

The Nets are +425 to keep him, with the Dallas Mavericks at +500 and the Los Angeles Clippers at +800.

The Miami Heat round out the Top 5 with +1000 odds.

More: Deandre Ayton 2022 NBA free agency predictions: Where will Phoenix Suns center end up?

More: Jae Crowder trade speculation for Phoenix Suns heats up as 2022 NBA free agency nears

Yahoo Sports: Suns have known about Kevin Durant's interest in playing in Phoenix

Chris Haynes discussed Kevin Durant's desire to play with the Suns on NBA TV.

Yahoo Sports: Kevin Durant wants to play with Devin Booker

Vincent Goodwill wrote: "It’s no coincidence the two franchises Durant has eyed represent some kind of stability and competitive consistency, with the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat being atop his list. For all the influence Durant perhaps craved and was granted in Brooklyn, he’s a hooper first and second — with the game being the main thing with #HeatCulture and in the Suns’ building. Sources told Yahoo Sports wanting to play alongside Devin Booker is a main motivation, along with the possibility of being slated next to Miami’s resident hard-ass Jimmy Butler — two players whose attendance is rarely questioned."

The Athletic: Aaron Holiday agrees to deal with Hawks

Shams Charania tweeted: "Free agent Aaron Holiday has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium"

The Suns acquired Holiday at the NBA trade deadline last season.

The Athletic: JaVale McGee agrees to deal with Mavericks

Shams Charania tweeted: "Free agent JaVale McGee has agreed to a three-year, $20.1 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks, with player option for third season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium"

More: Report: Suns' JaVale McGee agrees to deal with Dallas Mavericks

The Athletic: Suns finalizing supermax contract with Devin Booker

Shams Charania tweeted: The Phoenix Suns and All-NBA guard Devin Booker are finalizing a four-year, $214 million supermax contract extension that he’s set to sign as soon as next week, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium Booker will also be the cover athlete for NBA 2K23, per sources."

More: Report: Devin Booker agrees to supermax deal with Phoenix Suns for four years, $214 million

Bleacher Report: Suns would have to send Devin Booker to Nets in Kevin Durant trade

Jake Fischer writes: "From Brooklyn's perspective, sources said, there's no deal to land Durant in Phoenix that doesn't start with sending back Devin Booker to Barclays Center. The Suns, of course, would likely hold the line firm. But early indications are the Nets brass is not particularly inclined to take a sign-and-trade that brings back restricted free agent Deandre Ayton."

ESPN's Bobby Marks, however, later tweeted about how the Suns couldn't include Devin Booker in a trade for Kevin Durant.

ESPN: Suns leading candidate to trade for Kevin Durant

Brian Windhorst said: "I would say, in this exact moment right here. The Phoenix Suns are the leading candidate to trade for Kevin Durant. I also point out that Devin Booker was with Durant on Team USA … When you think of superstar team ups, always go back to Team USA. It's the genesis of super teams. The Phoenix Suns, with Chris Paul sort of near the end of his career, need to go in an all-in move."

Kevin Durant trade odds: Phoenix Suns among favorites

The Suns are among the favorites to land Kevin Durant in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, according to odds from Odds Checker.

The site has the Suns tied for second in odds for the NBA star, at +500. The Memphis Grizzlies are also at +500.

The Miami Heat are the favorite at +300.

Click here for a breakdown of the odds for Kevin Durant.

Yahoo Sports: Suns a preferred trade destination for Kevin Durant

The Phoenix Suns are a preferred trade destination for the Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant, Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reported Thursday.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Durant requested a trade and that the Nets are working to find a trade for the NBA star.

He added that the Suns and Miami Heat are on Durant's wish list.

Durant has been linked to the Suns in previous trade speculation, but a lot of it had died down earlier in the week when Kyrie Irving opted into his deal in Brooklyn.

It's safe to say it's back now.

Odds Checker: Suns included in odds for Bobby Portis, Malik Monk

The Phoenix Suns show up in odds to be the next team for a couple of intriguing NBA free agents.

Odds Checker has Phoenix as a possibility to land Bobby Portis and Malik Monk in NBA free agency.

It puts Phoenix at +400 to acquire Portis, fourth in its odds. Only the Miami Heat (+300), New York Knicks (+325) and San Antonio Spurs (+350) have higher odds.

It has the Suns seventh in odds to land Monk, at +750. The Detroit Pistons (+200), Toronto Raptors (+275) and Dallas Mavericks (+300) lead those odds.

Odds Checker also included the Suns in odds to land star guard Bradley Beal. Scroll down in this story to read about those odds.

New York Post: 'Mutual interest' between JaVale McGee, Brooklyn Nets

Brian Lewis twtted: "I'm told there is mutual interest between the #Nets and JaVale McGee. Can also confirm report by @IanBegley that Brooklyn free agent center Andre Drummond is getting feelers from the #Knicks. #nyk #NBA"

Sports Illustrated: Brooklyn Nets 'could piece together a package' for Deandre Ayton

Chris Mannix writes: "Deandre Ayton’s future remains a mystery. Ayton wants a max contract. The Suns don’t want to give it to him. The question is, can Ayton generate enough interest to force Phoenix’s hand? The Suns don’t want to lose Ayton for nothing, and there’s a belief among rival execs that if Ayton does land a max offer sheet, Phoenix will match it. But there’s a growing sense, from both sides, that it may be time to move on, preferably via sign-and-trade. But to where? Detroit’s interest cooled after Jalen Duren fell into the Pistons’ lap on draft night and GM Troy Weaver filled most of his free cap space with Knicks castoffs. Brooklyn, in need of athleticism in the frontcourt, likes Ayton and could piece together a package headlined by Joe Harris. But Ayton’s options, for now, appear limited."

BetMGM's Quinton Mayo reported Wednesday that he'd heard of a possible Nets and Suns trade package involving Joe Harris, Nic Claxton and "maybe" Cam Thomas in exchange for Ayton.

The Athletic's John Hollinger cast some doubt on a possible sign-and-trade involving Ayton and the Nets, however.

He tweeted: "Reminder: The Nets almost certainly cannot acquire Deandre Ayton in a sign-and-trade because any realistic salary for him would put them over the luxury tax apron. Hawks, Celtics, Mavs, Nuggets, Warriors, Clippers, Bucks, Jazz also likely blocked from inbound sign-and-trades."

Jae Crowder responds to Suns' trade rumors

The Suns' Jae Crowder has seen his name come up in a lot of NBA trade speculation ahead of NBA free agency.

He appeared to respond to the speculation on Twitter Thursday morning with a tweet consisting of three emojis.

Several NBA writers and sites have speculated about Crowder's future with the team, thinking that Phoenix could potentially move the forward to free up some cap space.

The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are the two teams that appear to have come up the most in Crowder trade speculation.

Odds Checker: Suns included in odds for Bradley Beal

The Suns are included in odds to be the next team of NBA free agent Bradley Beal.

Odds Checker released odds for the star's landing spot in NBA free agency and Phoenix is a longshot at +1600, but it is included in the odds.

16 teams are listed in the odds. The Suns are tied with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs for 14th.

The Boston Celtics are the favorite for the guard, at +300, followed by the Portland Trail Blazers at +400. The Miami Heat are +500.

Many would like the Suns to make a splash in free agency, which opens Thursday afternoon.

Signing Beal would certainly do that, although the odds are slim for Phoenix to do that, at best.

More: Phoenix Suns' best NBA free-agent signings of all time include Steve Nash, Tom Chambers

ESPN: Minnesota Timberwolves could pursue Deandre Ayton

Brian Windhorst said: “Another team to watch would be Minnesota. Minnesota is looking for a shot-blocker… it would not surprise me if they pivot, especially with D’Angelo Russell as bait, they take a look at Ayton.

"I do think Ayton is going to end up with a good contract. I do not think it will be a max though."

NBA Insider: Pacers could be most 'real' spot for Deandre Ayton in sign-and-trade

Keith Smith tweeted: "Not reporting, but reading the free agency landscape this morning: It's starting to feel like the Pacers might be the most "real" spot for Deandre Ayton via S&T. Indiana having cap space + contracts to send back to Phoenix eliminates most of the Base Year Compensation issues."

The Arizona Republic: 5 unrestricted free agents that could help the Phoenix Suns

Dana Scott broke down some unrestricted free agents the Suns could look at when the free agency period opens up Thursday afternoon if they choose to make some deals.

The list includes an option at center in case Phoenix does not have Deandre Ayton back next season.

Fox Sports: Suns second in NBA free agency odds for Deandre Ayton

Well this is interesting. FoxBet recently released odds for Deandre Ayton's next team and the Phoenix Suns are not the favorites.

The Detroit Pistons are. The site put Detroit at +150 to be the center's team next season, while the Suns were at +200. The Indiana Pacers were at +700, followed by the Charlotte Hornets at +800.

The San Antonio Spurs (+1000), New York Knicks (+1200) and Washington Wizards (+1200) rounded out the odds, according to FoxBet.

Of the Pistons' chances, it wrote: "At +150, the Detroit Pistons are the favorites to snag Ayton from the Suns. Currently in a complete rebuild, the fit with the Pistons would seem to be perfect, at least on paper. They just selected Jaden Ivey in the 2022 draft to join the talented young core of Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey and Marvin Bagley. Adding Deandre to this squad might not provide immediate benefits, but if this core blooms, the Pistons could be on pace to hold another championship parade in the Motown streets a couple of years down the road."

Interestingly, several sites and writers have reported that Detroit is out of the running for Ayton after agreeing to trade for Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel from the New York Knicks (see the bottom of this story for one of them).

These odds don't appear to agree with the assessment, however.

2022 NBA free agent rankings:

• Top point guards | Top shooting guards | Top centers

• Top small forwards | Top power forwards | Top overall

ESPN: Suns have options at center position if they don't keep Deandre Ayton

Brian Windhorst said: "They believe that they could find a number of other centers who can give them the type of production that Deandre Ayton can. So I would look for them to look for either some free agent centers or maybe a center that they can get in a trade back that may not be quite on Ayton's level but can still give them production and defend the front of the rim.

"They saw what Bismack Biyombo and JaVale McGee gave them last season when Ayton was out  They believe they can get a productive season from a center, they just don't want to pay max level dollars for it.

"I think the Suns are still going to be in great shape. I think they could still make some noise in this offseason."

HoopsHype: Suns won't tender qualifying offer to Aaron Holiday

Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto tweeted: "Sources: The Phoenix Suns won’t tender a qualifying offer to Aaron Holiday, @hoopshype has learned. Holiday will become an unrestricted free agent. Holiday is a known defender who averaged 6.8 points per game and shot 44.4 percent from 3-point range with the Suns."

Basketball News: Keep an eye on Spurs for Deandre Ayton?

Evan Sidery reported that San Antonio is the only team currently able to offer the center a max deal.

He tweeted: "The Spurs are the only team currently with the necessary cap space to offer Deandre Ayton a max contract once free agency begins. If San Antonio pivots to a full-scale rebuild trading Dejounte Murray, adding Ayton makes little to no sense. Very possible a max isn’t out there."

ESPN: 'No traction' on Suns' deal with Deandre Ayton

"Phoenix has simply decided they don't value Deandre Ayton on a max contract," Adrian Wojnarowski said on SportsCenter on Wednesday. "The good news for Deandre Ayton is a number of teams around the league do, and I think as a restricted free agent most teams are expecting right now as they jockey to get involved with Deandre Ayton is a sign-and-trade scenario where obviously because he is a restricted free agent Phoenix could match an offer and keep him, but what Phoenix and Deandre Ayton would prefer is they come to an agreement where the Suns get some assets from a team, whether it is draft picks or players or cap space, and Deandre Ayton gets his max contract elsewhere. That all can start moving tomorrow at 6 p.m. Eastern. There are several landing spots for Deandre Ayton on a max contract and those conversations could commence.

"It's more increasingly likely Deandre Ayton is elsewhere in the NBA on a sign-and-trade deal."

Bleacher Report: Deandre Ayton relationships 'untenable' for return to Phoenix

Jake Fischer writes: "With Phoenix, there's far less belief the Suns will ultimately match whatever offer Ayton can draw. The relationships between him and Phoenix's other primary actors—most notably head coach Monty Williams and point guard Chris Paul—seem untenable for an Ayton return. But there aren't many looming possibilities for him to find the maximum contract he is said to desire."

NBA's highest paid players in 2021-22 season:

• Top 25 overall | Point guards | Shooting guards

• Small forwards | Power forwards | Centers

ESPN: Sign-and-trade scenarios out there for Phoenix Suns, Deandre Ayton

Adrian Wojnarowski reported: “I think there’s a lot of sign-and-trade options scenarios out there that they’ll be able to start working through once we get to Thursday,” Wojnarowski said on SportsCenter Tuesday. “The Suns have had a reluctance to give Deandre Ayton a max contract, but I do believe it’s available to him out in the marketplace. Can they find a package of assets back that makes sense for them?”

Heavy.com: Jae Crowder is 'gettable' in a trade with the Suns

Sean Deveney reported that an NBA executive said that Crowder could be available because the Suns might look to shed salary and the veteran, who is almost 32, could be on the decline.

Bleacher Report: Deandre Ayton predicted to stay with Phoenix Suns

Grant Hughes writes: "Last offseason's impasse was just the Suns choosing not to pay more than necessary. Ayton is 23 years old, with career averages of 16.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. That isn't a player whom any franchise willingly gives up on. Phoenix will either match another team's four-year max offer sheet or give Ayton a deal worth that much before he has a chance to test the market."

CBS Sports: Pistons out of Deandre Ayton sweepstakes after Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel trade

Jack Maloney writes: "As for the Pistons, this deal also impacts their summer plans. While reports after their successful draft suggested they would no longer pursue Deandre Ayton, there was still a chance they could go that route. Now, they are officially out of those sweepstakes. Instead, they'll be happy using their cap space to absorb expiring contracts and add draft assets in the process. Veterans like Burks and Noel can help set an example for their young team this season, and may even be flipped at the deadline. If not, they'll expire next summer, and the Pistons will once again have plenty of cap space to work with."

More Phoenix Suns free agency news:

• Suns tender qualifying offer to Ayton to make him a restricted free agent

• Should Phoenix Suns, Deandre Ayton stay together or part ways?

• Suns address Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker now, Cam Johnson soon after

• We're about to find out what the Suns think about their former No. 1 pick

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns 2022 NBA free agency live updates, speculation, rumors