Discussions on a rookie contract extension for Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton ended ahead of a Monday deadline with no agreement, perishing without the franchise ever honoring the 2018 No. 1 overall pick’s expectation of a five-year maximum contract offer.
Ayton, a key part of the Suns’ run to the 2021 NBA Finals, held firm on wanting a full, five-year, max contract — which would’ve been worth a guaranteed $172.5 million-plus possible escalators — but talks never progressed to the Suns making a formal offer on a max deal ahead of Monday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline.
Deandre and his representation, Billy Duffy and Nima Namakian, made it clear they wanted a max, and Phoenix made it clear they didn’t view him as a max player.
During the offseason, the Suns have reached extensions with veteran point guard Chris Paul – a four year deal worth up to $120 million; Ayton’s fellow 2018 draftee Mikal Bridges – a four year deal worth up to $90 million and newly acquired guard Landry Shamet – a four year deal worth $43 million.
Several players in Ayton’s 2018 NBA draft class have received max contract extensions including Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jaren Jackson Jr of the Memphis Grizzlies, Kevin Huerter of the Atlanta Hawks, Michael Porter Jr of the Denver Nuggets.
“We were two wins away from a championship,” Ayton said following a practice session last week, “And I just really want to be respected to be honest, like my peers are being respected by their teams.”
#MZ Sports first reported that Ayton and Suns owner Robert Sarver met at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort in Phoenix last week as negotiation talks ramped up.
“The relationships I have on this team will never change regardless of whatever the outcome is,” Ayton said, “At the same time you have to come in and work, there’s a job to be done and it’s to win games. With the team, we have there’s a goal and task at hand.”
The defending Western Conference champions, the Suns had a 17 game improvement from 34-39 in the 2019-20 season to 51-21 in 2020-21.
Ayton’s personal development coincided with the team’s rise in the standings.
