Deandre Ayton wanted max deal from Suns, is ready to look elsewhere
Deandre Ayton's agent confirmed what everyone pretty much already knew: The center wanted a max offer from the Phoenix Suns, and he now he'd rather play elsewhere.
"We're disappointed. We wanted a max contract," longtime NBA agent Bill Duffy said on SiriusXM NBA radio. "He went out and was a soldier the whole year, played well, improved his statistics. So, we're proud of him. A lot of guys handle things differently, but he was very mature about it."
"Things will work out for Deandre, he's a valuable player," Duffy said. "There [are] other teams in the league as well. He's a restricted free agent, so we'll see how this process unfolds."
As CBS Sports points out, Ayton was in a position to earn a big contract extension after Phoenix went to the NBA Finals in 2021 but the team focused their attention on inking Devin Booker and Chris Paul to new deals. Coming off a less-than-stellar 2022 playoff run, Ayton's stock isn't quite as high. But that hasn't stopped him from wanting a big payday.
And, although he didn't quite replicate his success from 2021, Ayton has no doubt already drawn interest from other teams.
Now, even though there is a ton of speculation as to where Ayton might land, a move won't be as seamless as many think. Since he is set to be a restricted free agent, the Suns still have some control over where he goes and can match any offer other teams make. At that rate, it's also possible Phoenix puts a sign-and-trade deal in play with another team.
Until free agency opens up at the end of June, it's just speculation as to where Ayton will land. One thing is for sure though, it is going to be a very interesting summer for the former first overall draft pick.
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