There has been a lot of talk surrounding DeAndre Ayton and his supposed beef with Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams. This is especially after Ayton himself revealed that the last time he spoke with Williams was during their Game 7 loss in the West Semis against the Dallas Mavericks — that they haven't exchanged a single word all summer long.

For his part, Williams played down Ayton's bombshell, saying that this is all normal. In fact, Williams hasn't spoken with most of the players on the squad. In his mind, the Suns coach just wants to give his players as much space as he can during the offseason.

Phoenix superstar Devin Booker echoed his coach's sentiments. According to Booker, he too hasn't been in constant communication with Williams throughout the summer (via Suns reporter Gerald Bourguet):

“We've been on top of each other for a long time,” he said. “I didn't talk to coach much all this summer either. The times I did, he stressed the fact of getting away and having that feeling of missing the game and missing your team. It's a long season, we work with each other every day. I think it's fine to get away from each other. … I think it's always good to get away, get quiet, remove yourself from this industry and lifestyle.”

Booker pretty much had the same response as Monty Williams did with regard to Ayton's shocking revelation. When asked if he feels this issue would be a distraction to the team, the Suns All-Star shooting guard simply rejected the notion:

Article Continues Below
Related News
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles former player and ESPN commentator Jason Kelce reacts before in a 2025 AFC divisional round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jason Kelce hits USA Flag QB with fiery ‘not the best’ reality checkMike Gianakos ·
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) tracks a deep pass as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) defends in the first quarter during Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
NFL rumors: Insider dumps cold water on Rams’ Jalen Ramsey trade pursuitBen Strauss ·
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) carries the ball and runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit
How ESPN projects Packers, Bears’ chances to beat out Lions in NFC NorthBen Strauss ·
Detailed view of the jersey of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.
Team USA flag football star blasts idea of NFL players in 2028 OlympicsBenedetto Vitale ·
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) exits the field after losing 24-17 to the New York Jets in their home opener.
Steelers rumors: NFL analyst suggests Will Levis trade with TitansBenjamin Adducchio ·
Broadcaster Jim Nantz introduces players Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, during the “Night of Champions” at the Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre.
Jim Nantz makes bold Chiefs-Cowboys NFL Thanksgiving predictionBenjamin Adducchio ·

“No,” Booker stated, “guys look good to me.”

Booker was also asked about Ayton's mindset now that he's come back to camp. A lot has happened throughout the offseason, and there are some folks who are worried about how Ayton will react to all this. According to Booker, though, it's all good:

“He seems the same to me,” Booker said. “He's come in here, he's working hard. He's getting after it.”