The Phoenix Suns shocked a lot of people when they announced that a contract extension was not going to be worked out with Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 NBA Draft.
Negotiations seemed like they would be straightforward, as everyone expected Ayton to land a max extension. That is what he and his camp were looking for, but the Suns had different plans. They didn’t believe he was a max player, so the sides were left at a stalemate and no deal was made.
That decision is one that will possibly loom over the organization for years to come. Ayton’s future with the team is up in the air now as a result, and it is anyone’s guess how things may transpire.
Ayton is off to a strong start once again this season. His role offensively hasn’t grown as much as anticipated following a great stretch of play in the postseason, but he is still making the most of his opportunities.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Knicks-Suns Trade Is Centered Around Deandre Ayton
The former Arizona product is averaging 13.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game thus far this season. Those numbers are on par with his career output, so if the Suns didn’t think he was worth a max extension before, they’re unlikely to change their mind now.
Could that mean a trade is eventually coming involving Ayton? It would be shocking for a team that just made a run to the NBA Finals to drastically change their core, but it could be the path the Suns take.
Bleacher Report recently named Ayton as one player who could be surprisingly dealt at the NBA trade deadline and it makes some sense. He is unhappy with the organization after not receiving a max deal, so the team could look to move him in the future.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Knicks-Suns Trade Is Centered Around Deandre Ayton
Ayton will be a restricted free agent during the upcoming offseason, meaning the Phoenix Suns can match any offer sheet that he signs. However, given their hesitancy to bring him back on a max deal, would they match a max offer sheet he would likely receive from another team?
If not, James Jones could scour the trade market for a deal before it gets to that point. It would certainly be surprising, but not outside the realm of possibilities that Deandre Ayton is traded by Phoenix.
