When training camp and Media Day got underway in the NBA two weeks ago there was no shortage of stories coming from the Phoenix Suns. The early stages of Robert Sarver selling the team were a big topic of discussion that produced a few eyebrow-raising quotes. Jae Crowder was excused from attending training camp as he and the team are working on finding him a new team to play with.
Potentially the most shocking thing about Media Day was Deandre Ayton. Ayton had a rocky last year when it comes to the relationship with the organization. He was pushing for a rookie contract extension during the 2021 offseason as he sought a max extension. That was something ownership did not believe he was worth, so no deal was agreed to.
Ayton played well again during the season but the playoffs were a major disappointment for everyone as the Suns were eliminated in the second round. There was a scene between him and head coach Monty Williams that led many people to assume he would be departing this offseason.
It looked that way as the Suns essentially dared Ayton to find the big-money contract he was seeking. Their pursuit of Kevin Durant was derailed when Ayton found that deal, agreeing to a four-year, $133 million offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers. For a team that didn’t want to pay him for nearly a year, the Suns did match that offer sheet rather quickly.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Monty Williams & Phoenix Suns Updates
When Ayton arrived at Media Day, it was easy to say there has never been a person to sign a contract for that much money as unexcited as he was. He also revealed that he and Williams hadn’t talked since the last game, which caused a media frenzy.
He recently talked about that again and it sounds as if the former No. 1 pick and his head coach are back on the same page, which is good news for everyone.
“I mean, we talk, man,” Ayton said, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “At the end of the day, it’s like we’re trying to contribute to a win. Everything is back to normal. Nothing has changed to be honest. Yeah, I may have come to media day (Sept. 26) just bland, but I wasn’t trying to give nobody no damn story or nothing, but it flipped on me. So, I can’t really say nothing. Just let everybody run away with it. All I know is we’ve been in here working. We’ve been battling each other, beating up each other in training camp. Coach has been loving it.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Monty Williams & Phoenix Suns Updates
That is certainly a step in the right direction. With all that went on this offseason, getting back on the court will be a welcome reprieve for the players, coaching staff and many within the organization.
Ayton tried not to stir the pot during training camp with how he responded to questions but instead did the opposite. His bland approach surprised a lot of people and speculation ran rampant trying to decipher what it mean.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Monty Williams & Phoenix Suns Updates
Now that he has cleared it up, that is one less thing that the Suns have to worry about as they head into the regular season that begins next week.
