Phoenix Suns general manager Deandre Ayton finished the season with the team and he will become a restricted free agent this summer. The Suns’ general manager talked about the future of the promising center with the franchise.
“Deandre had an amazing season, and he’s progressed every year and improved every year,” the Jones told Burns & Gambo on Wednesday. “He’s been here and so he’s a big part of what we do.”
After a painful loss Sunday vs the Mavericks, the Suns were eliminated from the playoffs and their hopes for winning the first championship in franchise history ended prematurely in the Western Conference semifinals.
Suns general manager James Jones on Wednesday addressed the hard decisions he and the front office will have to make this offseason. The Suns will have Deandre Ayton, Aaron Holiday in free agency as restricted free agents.
JaVale McGee, Elfrid Payton and Bismack Biyombo will also be unrestricted free agents. Obviously the biggest name on that list is Ayton, who, as a restricted free agent, can receive a max contract offer of up to four years worth $131.1 million.
“His future with us is something we will address at the proper time which is in the future,” Jones said. “He’s a free agent and I’ve said all along, he’s about the same things were about which is winning. We’ll address it at the proper time.”
In the exit press conference, Jones did not hesitate to say that Phoenix will do everything to retain their current core after multiple winning seasons. Ayton supposedly will be among Phoenix’s future plan.
“It doesn’t preclude us from doing anything. We’re not talking about luxury tax issues or avoiding those things. That’s not something that’s going to prevent us to continue to build this team and keeping this team together,” Jones said.
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