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Why is it even being talked about Ayton not returning?
So why is it being talked about that Phoenix may not resign, Ayton? Simply put, the big man feels slighted that a contract extension wasn’t worked out with the Suns organization before the beginning of this season. Ayton wanted a rookie max extension for 5-years, $172M.
If the rookie max contract had happened with Ayton, it would be Phoenix’s second. Devin Booker has the other one. That’s a big chunk of cap space tied up on two players. Additionally, after Ayton scored only five points in the Suns’ recent Game 7 blowout loss to Dallas, management isn’t very interested in signing him to a max deal.
What Ayton is asking for isn’t entirely outlandish, especially when looking at some of his 2018 draft colleagues. Doncic signed a 5-year $207M extension. Both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and Michael Porter Jr. (MPJ) signed 5-year, $172.5M extensions. Also, Jaren Jackson Jr. (JJJ) signed a 4-year $104.72M deal.
Is Ayton on the same level as Doncic? Probably not, but Ayton’s asking price isn’t that egregious compared to JJJ, SGA, and MPJ, who have all missed time with injuries over their young careers.
Oh, and Ayton’s teammate, Mikal Bridges, another member of the 2018 draft class, received a 4-year, $90M contract extension. If Phoenix wants to continue to contend in the west, it’s reasonable to think they would keep Ayton.
Let’s not forget that during Phoenix’s run to the finals last season, Ayton averaged 15.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.1 in both assists and blocks, and .8 steals while shooting 66% from the field and 74% from the charity stripe in 36 minutes per game.
This was Deandre Ayton's last defensive possession of the game that appeared to prompt Monty to sub him out for the final time. pic.twitter.com/Bqj2w47mA9
— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) May 16, 2022