Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns will have their hands full this summer as the talented big is entering free agency. Ayton, who did not agree to an extension last season, will be a restricted free agent.
After the last game of the season, where he played for just minutes and had a heated exchange with the head coach Monty Williams, the future of the bigman might be away from Phoenix.
He reportedly wanted a maximum contract extension last offseason, but was rebuffed by the Suns, who couldn’t reach an agreement with the center. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowkis said Monday that the 2018 first overall pick “did not feel” valued.
Suns coach Monty Williams said the decision to have Ayton on the floor for just 17 minutes was “internal,” as the Suns were beat to submission by the Dallas Mavericks in Gm7 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Ayton finished the loss with five points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. He averaged 17.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 29.5 minutes per game during the regular season. If Ayton signs with a team as a free agent, the Suns will have the right to match the offer sheet.
Phoenix could also negotiate a sign-and-trade deal with a team interested in acquiring the center. Woj mentioned several teams will have the cap space to offer the max to the promising center including OKC, San Antonio and Portland.
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