Who Got Left Out?
Marvin Bagley III – Sacramento Kings
Drafted 2nd overall in 2018, Marvin Bagley III has been solid early on in his career, but he has not had his signature season/moment yet to solidify himself as a key young talent in the NBA.
As a result, sources told NBA Analysis Network that he would not be receiving a rookie contract extension and will become a restricted free agent next offseason.
Through three seasons in Sacramento, Bagley has averaged 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and has shot 50% from the floor, which is not terrible, but the Kings have been a very underwhelming team in this league, to say the least.
The Kings have not made the playoffs in 15 seasons and they are constantly shuffling through talent on their roster.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: NBA Opening Night: 4 Things To Watch With Lakers, Nets, Bucks, Warriors
With no front-office stability nor roster stability, who knows if Marvin Bagley III will even make it through the 2021-22 season in a Kings uniform.
Deandre Ayton – Phoenix Suns
One of the key players of the Suns’ core, Deandre Ayton showed out in a big way during the postseason last year and helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals.
Unlike fellow young talent Mikal Bridges though, Deandre Ayton and Phoenix have been unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the sides have ended contract negotiations.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: NBA Opening Night: 4 Things To Watch With Lakers, Nets, Bucks, Warriors
Deandre Ayton will now become a restricted free agent next offseason, still giving the Suns the rights to bring him back should they wish to do so.
It is expected that at some point, these two sides will reach a long-term deal, but with the new season set to begin and his deadline about to pass, these contract negotiations will have to resume in the offseason, where Deandre Ayton and his representation could look to field offers from the Suns and other teams around the league.
