Deandre Ayton has received a ton of criticism for his lackluster display in the Phoenix Suns' season-ending Game 7 blowout loss at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks. These developments have further clouded the big man's future in Phoenix as Ayton's current contract comes to an end this summer.

It isn't always the case that Shaq and Charles Barkley agree on the same thing, but this time around, both Hall of Famers are adamant that the Suns have to give Ayton his money. Shaq praised the Suns center for the way he's handled what has been a precarious contract situation:

“The kid did it the respectful way,” O’Neal said (h/t Duane Rankin of azcentral). “Me, I’m different. OK, you’re not going to play me? Alright, don’t worry about it. He didn’t complain. He made one statement about it and he played and he played his tail off. Played like a true big man. Give that kid what he wants. You’ve got other people signed for four (years), $270 (million), they don’t deserve it. Give this kid what he wants.”

Ayton has yet to reach an agreement with the Suns with regard to a new deal and it remains to be seen if his performance in the team's last game of the season (a playoff-low five points on just five attempts) will have a significant impact on the front office's decision on Ayton's future.

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For Barkley, however, it is clear that it would be in the best interest of the Suns to re-sign Ayton.

“(McGee) played well, he was a great addition to the team, but it all hinges on Deandre Ayton,” Barkley said. “It’s him and Booker. They are the guys going forward. Chris is going to be 38 (years old). He’s going to get the ball to the right person, but it’s time for Booker and Ayton.”