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The Phoenix Suns’ reluctance to offer a maximum extension of the 2018 No.1 rookie contract Deandre Ayton has stalled talks on a deal, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.
Ayton, a key part of the Suns’ run to the 2021 NBA Finals, has no intention of accepting a deal lower than the comparable maximum contracts signed by several of his classmates in the 2018 NBA Draft, including Trae Young of Atlanta, Luka Doncic of Dallas, Oklahoma Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of City and Michael Porter Jr. of Denver, sources told ESPN.
Ayton, 23, is eligible for a five-year, $ 172.5 million extension, with escalators that could reach $ 207 million – a deal many league executives expected to be concluded this offseason as quickly as possible. But now, with a looming October 18 deadline for rookie extensions, sources have said talks between the Suns and Ayton representatives have been slowed down by the property’s current claim that Ayton does not deserve. to be included in this group of players – and a belief by the 7-footer that its performance, potential and the market dictate it to do.
Without a deal, Ayton could become a restricted free agent next summer. The Suns continue to match the rights to any offer next year, but risk creating a level of acrimony with Ayton that could impact the team’s long-term relationship with him and the continuation of another Western Conference championship.
A significant part of Ayton’s development and maturity has revolved around the relationship and trust he built with coach Monty Williams over their two seasons together. It would be tested if Ayton spent the season believing he was heading for restricted free agency.
Ayton flourished under Williams, becoming the two-way force the Suns envisioned when they selected him at No.1 three years ago.
If Suns owner Robert Sarver fails to come to a deal with Ayton before the deadline, it will certainly raise questions again about his commitment to building a lasting contender in the Western Conference.
Sarver hasn’t paid a luxury tax as owner of the Suns since the 2009-10 season – a full decade before the franchise returned to the playoffs in 2020-21. There were long questions about Sarver’s decision to trade future All-Star goalkeeper Joe Johnson in 2010 instead of extending his contract, a move that many believe cost the Suns a championship in the Steve Nash era. Amare Stoudemire.
Many competing teams have a maximum of three players on the roster. For example, Denver asked Porter to join league MVP Nikola Jokic and guard Jamal Murray with three maximums this summer. For now, the Suns have Devin Booker and Chris Paul on max contracts.
The Suns signed Paul for an extension over the summer, but have yet to strike a deal with Ayton or another key member of their roster. Forward Mikal Bridges is also eligible for a rookie overtime.
Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in his third NBA season in 2020-21. Among his playoff successes, according to stats and ESPN news, his 66% field goal percentage in the playoffs was the highest in NBA history. He shot at least 50% in 17 straight playoff games, behind only Shaquille O’Neal (2006) for the longest playoff streak in league history.
Ayton held NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo 53% on shots as the main defenseman in the Finals, while Antetokounmpo shot 70% against the rest of the Suns.
Ayton and Paul’s partnership was one of the most productive in the league last season, with Paul assisting on 143 Ayton baskets; only Steph Curry and Draymond Green of Golden State had more in combination.
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