Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday.
He joins teammates Jae Crowder and Elfrid Payton as well as head coach Monty Williams in the protocols.
The NBA on Monday agreed to reduce the length a vaccinated, asymptomatic player must quarantine from 10 to six days, according to a memo obtained by ESPN.
The Suns (26-6) are set to host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night before traveling to Boston on Dec. 31.
Backup center JaVale McGee will likely start in place of Ayton. McGee is having a career year and has played well in Ayton’s absence, having started eight games already this season.
Ayton, 23, has averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds in 24 games this season.