Adrian Wojnarowski analyzes the effects of Deandre's Ayton's resignation and Suns' failure to extend their contract. (1:15).
Sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that talks between Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns on an extension of his rookie contract ended without a deal.
Ayton had hoped for a maximum contract, and Robert Sarver, the owner of the 2018 No. 1. Overall pick.
Sources told ESPN that Ayton, who was a crucial part of the Suns' run for the 2021 NBA Finals in Chicago, is not interested in accepting a contract less than those 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. This stance has not changed.
Ayton, 23 years old, was eligible for a five year extension worth $172.5 million with escalators that could reach $207 million. This deal was expected to be completed in the shortest time possible by league executives this offseason.
Ayton's maturity and development has been largely influenced by the trust and relationship he built with Monty Williams during their two seasons together. This could be put to the test.
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.
Ayton averaged 10.5 rebounds, 14.4 points and 1.2 blocks per game during his third NBA season in 2020-21. According to ESPN's Stats & Information data 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.
