Like all the members of the 2018 Draft, Deandre Ayton was eligible for an extension until October 18. But the interior failed to tune with the Phoenix Suns. Thus, he will be a protected free agent at the end of the season.
Unsurprisingly, the Nassau native was looking for a 5-year max contract. But the Arizona franchise, especially its owner Robert Sarver, obviously did not want to grant it. The negotiations therefore failed.
And for The Athletic, the GM of the Suns James Jones wished to deliver its truths on this file.
“We know it’s important for us, but also for him, to keep improving, developing in order to win a title. So when we were talking about this offseason, we were focused on building this team.
For us, unfortunately, we are in this situation (with Ayton, editor’s note). No deal. So we didn’t really have any negotiations. You speak of discussions, it was 5 years for the max like its other peers, like the former # 1 picks. Here is the beginning and the end of the discussions.
Less than the max over 5 years, it was not an option, it should not even be talked about. This is obvious. They (the media, editor’s note) talk about possibilities on three or four year contracts. They are real “, let know Jones.
Problem, this intervention was not to the liking of Ayton’s agents! Thus, they were keen to make an update with The Athletic. First of all, a max proposal, over 3 or 4 years, has never been proposed by the Suns.
Then, from start to finish, the executives made it clear that Sarver refused to give the max to their client. Relaunched, Jones responded to representatives of the pivot.
“They know that a max offer, over 3 or 4 years, was not an option for them. In the end, we want the same, and we’ll find a way to make it happen. He wants to be here. “He is there. We are fully on his development. It is the same as the first day. It has not changed,” he said.
On this issue, the Suns have clearly taken a risk. Last season, Deandre Ayton was one of the great architects of the superb course of this team. And at 23, he embodies a young talent particularly appreciated in the NBA.
Next summer, he will still claim the maximum. This is a certainty. And this time around, Phoenix, even keeping the hand, will therefore have real pressure.
Sexton, Bridges, Ayton: the main “forgotten” of the deadline
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