Deandre Ayton, the first overall pick in the 2018 draft, has finally got a max contract from the Phoenix Suns. However, he had to take some extra steps to get there.

After the Suns refused to make Ayton a max offer earlier this year, the 23-year-old hit the restricted free agency and found it elsewhere. The Indiana Pacers presented him with the four-year, $133 million offer sheet earlier this week, and Ayton gladly signed.

This put Phoenix at the risk of losing Ayton for nothing, and the franchise quickly used its right to match the Pacers’ offer and keep the Arizona product around for four more years. 

As ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski points out, the Suns now have to wait until January if they want to trade Ayton. Also, the player can veto any trade in the next year. This most likely rules the Suns out of the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, as it is hard to see Phoenix putting together a compelling offer for the Brooklyn Nets’ superstar without Ayton involved.

Deandre Ayton has played well for the Suns for the past four years, averaging 16.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game during that stretch. Ayton was also one of the key contributors to the team’s NBA Finals appearance in 2021, having 15.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game during that playoff run.

While this didn’t convince the Suns that Ayton is worthy of a max offer, it isn’t hard to see why they didn’t think twice about matching the Pacers’ offer. While the franchise might think $133 million is an overpay, they are still better off with him on the roster, especially considering they would have scarce resources to replace him if he had left. 

The post Suns Match Pacers’ 4-Year, $133 Million Offer to RFA Center Deandre Ayton appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Phoenix Suns and their talented center Deandre Ayton are reportedly heading towards a breakup this offseason. According to a recent report by The Athletic, it is “more likely than not” that Ayton plays elsewhere next season.

The relationship between the two sides has deteriorated ever since the Suns refused to give Ayton a max rookie extension last summer. This made the 2018’s first overall pick feel underappreciated by the franchise, and he is no longer convinced that Phoenix represents his long-term future.

On the other hand, the Suns don’t believe Ayton is a max-player even though the Arizona product had his best season as a pro in 2021-22 and averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. One of the reasons is that the organization reportedly has questions about the 23-year-old player’s character and work ethic. This even caused him to clash with head coach Monty Williams and play only 17 minutes in the elimination game of the second-round series against the Dallas Mavericks.

While the Suns might not be eager to keep Ayton around, it is also improbable that they just let him walk out of the door. Since the Suns have the ability to match any offer that Ayton receives in restricted free agency, the more likely option is a sign-and-trade. This will give Phoenix something in return while allowing the player to start fresh with a new team.

Ayton has been averaging 16.3 points, 10.5 boards, and 1.0 assists since he entered the league four years ago.

The post Suns’ Deandre Ayton “Likely” to Play Elsewhere Next Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Deandre Ayton, the first overall pick in 2018, is set for restricted free agency next year after failing to agree to a rookie contract extension with the Phoenix Suns before Monday’s deadline. The negotiations between the two sides fell through after Ayton reportedly asked for a max deal, and the Suns refused to make that offer.

The type of deal that Ayton wanted, a five-year, $172.5 million contract, was already given to several members of the 2018 draft class, including Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks), Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder), and Michael Porter Jr. (Denver Nuggets). But while the 23-year-old player and his camp believed he is on the same level as the players listed above, the Suns didn’t and never made any indications they would tap into the max territory.

Not signing Ayton to a deal he wanted saves money for Phoenix short-term but might come with severe implications. Ayton already publicly signaled his concerns that the Suns don’t value him enough, so having an unhappy player on the roster could potentially be a distraction as the team attempts to return to the NBA Finals.

Also, the Suns are risking having a lot less control over Ayton than they would have if they had signed him to a max extension. While they can match offers from other teams in restricted free agency, Ayton could accept a deal that would give him an early exit and make him a free agent earlier than expected.

There is also a scenario, which is less likely, that Ayton simply signs the qualifying offer that would see him play out 2022-23 and then leave for free after.

Since entering the NBA, Ayton has averaged 16.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.

The post Deandre Ayton Fails to Agree to a Rookie Extension with Phoenix appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Phoenix Suns are still holding out on making a max-contract extension offer to their talented center Deandre Ayton, and that’s not sitting well with him.

Ayton recently discussed his extension talks with Suns in a chat with Arizona Sports and said that he is “disappointed” with the way they are unfolding at the moment.

“I love Phoenix, but I’m really disappointed that we haven’t really gotten a deal done yet,” Ayton said. “We were two wins from a championship, and I just really want to be respected, to be honest. Be respected like my peers are being respected by their teams.”

The respect that Ayton is looking for is the max-extension that the rest of the 2018’s draft class, including Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks), Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), received. This would be a five-year, $173 million deal that tops at $207 million if escalators are met.

The reason why the Suns might not want to give Ayton the max might do with the fact that he has yet to make an All-Star team or be considered an elite center in the league. But there is no doubt that the Arizona product made big improvements to his game and could only get better in the years to come. This was especially obvious during the team’s run to the NBA Finals when he averaged a double-double (15.8 points, 11.8 boards) throughout the postseason while also holding his own on the defensive end of the floor.

Phoenix and Ayton have until October 18th to work out a deal. If they don’t get the job done by then, Ayton will become a restricted free agent next offseason. While the Suns can match any offer he receives and keep him with the franchise, they have to ask themselves if that is the approach they want to take with one of their best players.

The post DeAndre Ayton Disappointed Over Talks With Suns appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Not many people think the Phoenix Suns have a chance to make it to playoffs this season despite being included in the NBA restart in Orlando. But according to center Deandre Ayton, his Suns’ shouldn’t be written off so soon. 

Ayton recently had a video call with reporters and discussed Suns’ long odds to reach the 8th seed and the final playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference.

“We’re coming to work. We’ve been working,” said Ayton.

The 21-year-old center explained that he and his teammates are coming to Orlando motivated and want to “shut up“ doubters.

“We thank the league for choosing us as one of the teams. We’re grateful, and we’re coming to work. That’s about it. Whatever the media has to say, we’re just going to use that to add to the fuel,” he added.

While Deandre Ayton’s optimism is great to see, the reality is that Phoenix Suns face a tough path. Among the Western Conference teams invited to Orlando, Suns have the worst record (26-39) and were 13th seed before the NBA suspended its activity due to coronavirus. This positions them 6.0 games behind the eight-seeded Memphis Grizzlies while the Suns would need to jump over five teams in order to make it to playoffs.

Ayton could possibly be the difference for Suns in Orlando, considering that he was having a pretty good 2019/20 season. In 30 games, he averaged 19.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks.

The post Deandre Ayton on Suns’ Playoff Chances: “We’re Coming to Work“ appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Arizona’s center Deandre Ayton isn’t just a talented basketball player, but also a confident young man. The 19-year-old told reporters on Wednesday that he already knows he will be the number one pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

“I know I’m going No. 1,” – Ayton told reporters after a pre-draft workout with the Phoenix Suns, the team who has the first overall pick.

Although Suns didn’t promise Deandre Ayton that they will use their No.1 pick on him, he is so confident in his game that he already thinks it is a done deal. This is why he won’t attend pre-draft workouts for any other team.

Deandre Ayton was born in the Bahamas but moved to Phoenix, Arizona when he was a high school student. By 2017, he established himself as one of top five prospects in the nation and decided to attend University of Arizona. During his freshman season as Arizona Wildcats player, Ayton averaged 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.9 points per game.

“Everybody knows us now,” – said Ayton. “This is our second home, so we just feel welcome, and it would be a blessing if I become the No. 1 pick and stay here and make this home.”

It looks like the Suns wouldn’t have anything against making Ayton number one overall pick as well since they liked what they saw at Wednesday’s workout.

“It was everything that we expected form Deandre,” – said Suns general manager Ryan McDonough. “Obviously, we’ve watched him closely at Arizona and we’ve scouted him heavily in person in games, at practice, and on film. He showed us what we expected to see.”

The post Arizona’s Deandre Ayton: “I know I’m going No. 1” in 2018 NBA Draft appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Deandre Ayton, the first overall pick in the 2018 draft, has finally got a max contract from the Phoenix Suns. However, he had to take some extra steps to get there.

After the Suns refused to make Ayton a max offer earlier this year, the 23-year-old hit the restricted free agency and found it elsewhere. The Indiana Pacers presented him with the four-year, $133 million offer sheet earlier this week, and Ayton gladly signed.

This put Phoenix at the risk of losing Ayton for nothing, and the franchise quickly used its right to match the Pacers’ offer and keep the Arizona product around for four more years. 

As ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski points out, the Suns now have to wait until January if they want to trade Ayton. Also, the player can veto any trade in the next year. This most likely rules the Suns out of the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, as it is hard to see Phoenix putting together a compelling offer for the Brooklyn Nets’ superstar without Ayton involved.

Deandre Ayton has played well for the Suns for the past four years, averaging 16.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game during that stretch. Ayton was also one of the key contributors to the team’s NBA Finals appearance in 2021, having 15.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game during that playoff run.

While this didn’t convince the Suns that Ayton is worthy of a max offer, it isn’t hard to see why they didn’t think twice about matching the Pacers’ offer. While the franchise might think $133 million is an overpay, they are still better off with him on the roster, especially considering they would have scarce resources to replace him if he had left. 

The post Suns Match Pacers’ 4-Year, $133 Million Offer to RFA Center Deandre Ayton appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Phoenix Suns and their talented center Deandre Ayton are reportedly heading towards a breakup this offseason. According to a recent report by The Athletic, it is “more likely than not” that Ayton plays elsewhere next season.

The relationship between the two sides has deteriorated ever since the Suns refused to give Ayton a max rookie extension last summer. This made the 2018’s first overall pick feel underappreciated by the franchise, and he is no longer convinced that Phoenix represents his long-term future.

On the other hand, the Suns don’t believe Ayton is a max-player even though the Arizona product had his best season as a pro in 2021-22 and averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. One of the reasons is that the organization reportedly has questions about the 23-year-old player’s character and work ethic. This even caused him to clash with head coach Monty Williams and play only 17 minutes in the elimination game of the second-round series against the Dallas Mavericks.

While the Suns might not be eager to keep Ayton around, it is also improbable that they just let him walk out of the door. Since the Suns have the ability to match any offer that Ayton receives in restricted free agency, the more likely option is a sign-and-trade. This will give Phoenix something in return while allowing the player to start fresh with a new team.

Ayton has been averaging 16.3 points, 10.5 boards, and 1.0 assists since he entered the league four years ago.

The post Suns’ Deandre Ayton “Likely” to Play Elsewhere Next Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Deandre Ayton, the first overall pick in 2018, is set for restricted free agency next year after failing to agree to a rookie contract extension with the Phoenix Suns before Monday’s deadline. The negotiations between the two sides fell through after Ayton reportedly asked for a max deal, and the Suns refused to make that offer.

The type of deal that Ayton wanted, a five-year, $172.5 million contract, was already given to several members of the 2018 draft class, including Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks), Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder), and Michael Porter Jr. (Denver Nuggets). But while the 23-year-old player and his camp believed he is on the same level as the players listed above, the Suns didn’t and never made any indications they would tap into the max territory.

Not signing Ayton to a deal he wanted saves money for Phoenix short-term but might come with severe implications. Ayton already publicly signaled his concerns that the Suns don’t value him enough, so having an unhappy player on the roster could potentially be a distraction as the team attempts to return to the NBA Finals.

Also, the Suns are risking having a lot less control over Ayton than they would have if they had signed him to a max extension. While they can match offers from other teams in restricted free agency, Ayton could accept a deal that would give him an early exit and make him a free agent earlier than expected.

There is also a scenario, which is less likely, that Ayton simply signs the qualifying offer that would see him play out 2022-23 and then leave for free after.

Since entering the NBA, Ayton has averaged 16.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.

The post Deandre Ayton Fails to Agree to a Rookie Extension with Phoenix appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Phoenix Suns are still holding out on making a max-contract extension offer to their talented center Deandre Ayton, and that’s not sitting well with him.

Ayton recently discussed his extension talks with Suns in a chat with Arizona Sports and said that he is “disappointed” with the way they are unfolding at the moment.

“I love Phoenix, but I’m really disappointed that we haven’t really gotten a deal done yet,” Ayton said. “We were two wins from a championship, and I just really want to be respected, to be honest. Be respected like my peers are being respected by their teams.”

The respect that Ayton is looking for is the max-extension that the rest of the 2018’s draft class, including Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks), Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), received. This would be a five-year, $173 million deal that tops at $207 million if escalators are met.

The reason why the Suns might not want to give Ayton the max might do with the fact that he has yet to make an All-Star team or be considered an elite center in the league. But there is no doubt that the Arizona product made big improvements to his game and could only get better in the years to come. This was especially obvious during the team’s run to the NBA Finals when he averaged a double-double (15.8 points, 11.8 boards) throughout the postseason while also holding his own on the defensive end of the floor.

Phoenix and Ayton have until October 18th to work out a deal. If they don’t get the job done by then, Ayton will become a restricted free agent next offseason. While the Suns can match any offer he receives and keep him with the franchise, they have to ask themselves if that is the approach they want to take with one of their best players.

The post DeAndre Ayton Disappointed Over Talks With Suns appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Not many people think the Phoenix Suns have a chance to make it to playoffs this season despite being included in the NBA restart in Orlando. But according to center Deandre Ayton, his Suns’ shouldn’t be written off so soon. 

Ayton recently had a video call with reporters and discussed Suns’ long odds to reach the 8th seed and the final playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference.

“We’re coming to work. We’ve been working,” said Ayton.

The 21-year-old center explained that he and his teammates are coming to Orlando motivated and want to “shut up“ doubters.

“We thank the league for choosing us as one of the teams. We’re grateful, and we’re coming to work. That’s about it. Whatever the media has to say, we’re just going to use that to add to the fuel,” he added.

While Deandre Ayton’s optimism is great to see, the reality is that Phoenix Suns face a tough path. Among the Western Conference teams invited to Orlando, Suns have the worst record (26-39) and were 13th seed before the NBA suspended its activity due to coronavirus. This positions them 6.0 games behind the eight-seeded Memphis Grizzlies while the Suns would need to jump over five teams in order to make it to playoffs.

Ayton could possibly be the difference for Suns in Orlando, considering that he was having a pretty good 2019/20 season. In 30 games, he averaged 19.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks.

The post Deandre Ayton on Suns’ Playoff Chances: “We’re Coming to Work“ appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Arizona’s center Deandre Ayton isn’t just a talented basketball player, but also a confident young man. The 19-year-old told reporters on Wednesday that he already knows he will be the number one pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

“I know I’m going No. 1,” – Ayton told reporters after a pre-draft workout with the Phoenix Suns, the team who has the first overall pick.

Although Suns didn’t promise Deandre Ayton that they will use their No.1 pick on him, he is so confident in his game that he already thinks it is a done deal. This is why he won’t attend pre-draft workouts for any other team.

Deandre Ayton was born in the Bahamas but moved to Phoenix, Arizona when he was a high school student. By 2017, he established himself as one of top five prospects in the nation and decided to attend University of Arizona. During his freshman season as Arizona Wildcats player, Ayton averaged 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.9 points per game.

“Everybody knows us now,” – said Ayton. “This is our second home, so we just feel welcome, and it would be a blessing if I become the No. 1 pick and stay here and make this home.”

It looks like the Suns wouldn’t have anything against making Ayton number one overall pick as well since they liked what they saw at Wednesday’s workout.

“It was everything that we expected form Deandre,” – said Suns general manager Ryan McDonough. “Obviously, we’ve watched him closely at Arizona and we’ve scouted him heavily in person in games, at practice, and on film. He showed us what we expected to see.”

The post Arizona’s Deandre Ayton: “I know I’m going No. 1” in 2018 NBA Draft appeared first on SportzBonanza.