Deandre Ayton's 17 Minutes in Game 7 an 'Internal' Decision, Suns' Wiliams Says

The Phoenix Suns lost to the Dallas Mavericks 123-90 in the Western Conference semifinals.

Deandre Ayton only played 17 minutes, finishing with five points, four rebound and two assists. Monty Williams described Ayton's usage as an internal decision.

The center wouldn't do any media so reporters couldn't ask him his thoughts.

Adding to the intrigue, Suns star Devin Booker didn't give a ringing endorsement of Ayton, who is due to hit restricted free agency this summer.

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet

"His contract situation is between him and the front office. I care about him as a brother. Just making sure his mental is right...whatever happens, happens. Kind of hard to look so far in the future." - Devin Booker on Deandre Ayton's contract situation

Booker could be seen as a player struggling to find the right words after a demoralizing loss.

Since the deadline for rookies to sign an extension passed without Ayton, there have been questions about his long-term future with the Suns.

Luka Doncic and Trae Young have already signed max deals. The negotiations between Phoenix and Ayton's representatives have been slowed by ownership's assertion that Ayton doesn't deserve it.

Giving a center max money is not a good investment in the NBA today. During the Suns run to the NBA Finals in 2021, Ayton at least seemed to show he could be a key figure on a championship contender. In 22 games, he averaged 15.8 points, 11.8 rebound and 1.1 blocks.

The likelihood of the No. 1 overall pick leaving Phoenix has grown. If the Suns don't put a max contract on the table, someone else might.

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS

The five major cap space teams this offseason are the Magic, Pacers, Pistons, Spurs and Blazers. I'm guessing one of those teams throws the 25% max offer sheet at Ayton if he and Phoenix don't agree to something first.

Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie

You better believe the Deandre Ayton sweepstakes begin with that game, too. Up to Phoenix, ultimately, if they want to pay him. But he’s a 23-year-old center that averaged 17/10 while playing good defense and largely having playoff success up until this series. He’s getting $$$.

It is difficult to not draw parallels between this and the Philadelphia 76ers exit last year.

The important parties would cool off during the off-season and get back to work. Simmons relationship with the organization never recovered.

Ayton might stay in Phoenix, and all will be solved by opening night next fall. The signs of a potential fissure between him and the Suns will be there for some time if he is playing elsewhere.