The Phoenix Suns are refusing to extend their maximum rookie contract to the 2018 No. Sources told ESPN that Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 pick of the Phoenix Suns, has stopped negotiations on a deal.
Sources told ESPN that Ayton, who was a crucial part of the Suns' run for the 2021 NBA Finals in Chicago, is not planning to accept a contract less than the similar max contracts signed by many of his 2018 NBA draft classmates including Atlanta's Trae Young and Dallas' Luka Docic, Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous Alexander, and Denver's Michael Porter Jr.
Ayton, 23 years old, is eligible for a five year, $172.5m extension with escalators reaching $207 million. This deal was expected to be completed in the shortest time possible this offseason by many league executives. With the Oct. 18 deadline approaching for rookie extensions, sources say that talks between Ayton and Suns have been stalled by Ayton's representatives claiming that Ayton doesn’t deserve to be in that group. This is despite Ayton's belief that his performance, potential, and the market dictate that he should.
Ayton could be a restricted-free agent next summer if he doesn't sign a contract. Ayton could be a restricted free agent next summer if the Suns don't match any offer sheets. However, this could lead to a bitter relationship that could affect the Suns' long-term relationship and their pursuit of another Western Conference title.
Ayton's maturity and development has been largely influenced by the trust and relationship he has developed with Monty Williams during their two seasons together. If Ayton believes he is headed to restricted-free agency, that would put it in jeopardy.
Williams was a great mentor to Ayton, and he made Ayton the two-way force that the Suns envisioned when they selected him as No. 3 years ago.
Robert Sarver, Suns owner, will not reach an agreement with Ayton by the deadline. This will raise new questions about Sarver's commitment to building a viable contender in the Western Conference.
Since 2009-10, Sarver as Suns owner has not paid luxury tax -- more than a decade before the franchise made it back to the playoffs. Long questions raged about Sarver's decision in 2010 to trade future All Star guard Joe Johnson instead of extending his contract. Many believe this move cost the Suns a championship during the Steve Nash Amare Stoudemire era.
Three max players are a common requirement for contending teams. Denver, for example, had Porter join league MVP Nikola Jokic as well as Jamal Murray as a guard. The Suns currently have Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Chris Paul max contracts.
Paul was signed by the Suns to an extension this summer, but they have not reached an agreement with Ayton and another key player on their roster. Mikal Bridges, forward, is also eligible for a rookie contract extension.
Ayton averaged 10.5 rebounds, 14.4 points and 1.2 blocks per game during his third NBA season in 2020-2021. According to ESPN's Stats and Information his 66% postseason field-goal percentage was one of his greatest playoff achievements. For the longest playoff streak in league history, he shot at least 50% in 17 consecutive playoff games. He trails Shaquille Ol'Neal (2006) by a significant margin.
Ayton limited Giannis Antetokounmpo, NBA Finals MVP, to 53% shooting in the Finals as the primary defender. Antetokounmpo shot 70% against all the Suns.
Paul and Ayton's partnership was one the most productive in league last season. Paul assisted on 143 Ayton baskets, more than Draymond Green and Steph Curry of Golden State.
