Deandre Ayton wants to be shown the money this offseason, but the Phoenix Suns reportedly have no interest in giving him the bag if what the big man wants is a max contract. The Suns are said to be non-believers of Ayton's value as a max player, and that's what's causing the negotiation for a contract extension between the two sides to stall. If he's not returning to the Suns, the Detroit Pistons are rumored to be among the top suitors of Ayton's services. For one, the Pistons have the cap space to accommodate the former Arizona Wildcats center.
Via NBA correspondent Marc Stein:
The Pistons are widely expected to make the pursuit of Phoenix Suns restricted free agent Deandre Ayton their priority after agreeing Wednesday to trade Jerami Grant to Portland. Word is Ayton, furthermore, would indeed embrace the concept of teaming with Cade Cunningham to form a new Pistons two-man core. Detroit is projected to have salary-cap space in the $50 million range to pursue Ayton and perhaps one other top free agent, with Charlotte's Miles Bridges and Cleveland's Collin Sexton thought to be ahead of Dallas' Jalen Brunson on the Pistons’ wish list.
However, if the Suns are to part ways with Ayton, they're likely going to try to do that via a sign-and-trade move, as they'd rather squeeze future assets for that big decision. Still, the chances of Ayton walking away for nothing for the Suns are very realistic.
The Pistons had just traded Jerami Grant to the Portland Trail Blazers, a maneuver that got them a more spacious financial leg room that could help Detroit pull off a key free-agent signing in the NBA offseason.
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