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Damian Lillard 'Likes' Tweet Suggesting Deandre Ayton Should Sign with Blazers

Doric SamMay 16, 2022

PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 15: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during Game 7 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals on May 15, 2022 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images

The Phoenix Suns were eliminated from the postseason on Sunday in a blowout 123-90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.

Now heading into the offseason, Suns center Deandre Ayton is likely set to be the most coveted young player available in free agency. The 23-year-old big man will be a restricted free agent after failing to come to terms on a rookie contract extension prior to the season.

One star player appears to have already expressed interest in adding Ayton to his team. Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard "liked" a tweet suggesting that Ayton take his talents up north:

Sean Highkin @highkin

Interesting <a href="https://t.co/u599dW8aMx">pic.twitter.com/u599dW8aMx</a>

While it's likely that Phoenix will be looking to retain Ayton, the situation between him and the franchise apparently isn't perfect. Ayton was held to just five points in 17 minutes during Sunday's loss. When asked why the center saw so little playing time, Suns head coach Monty Williams responded, "It's internal."

Lillard was limited to 29 games this season due to abdominal surgery, so he will surely be looking to have a bounce-back year. Adding a player like Ayton would give him a strong running mate to help Portland improve on its 27-55 finish in 2021-22.