Deandre Ayton's future with the Phoenix Suns remains murky, and if his agent's comments are to be considered, it looks like the young big man is ready to leave if he doesn't get the contract he wants.
Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Bill Duffy shared his thoughts on their failure to get a max contract from the Suns in the past offseason, as well as their free agency plans as Ayton becomes a restricted free agent. The veteran agent expressed confidence that free agency will go well for the 23-year-old, adding that there are other teams interested in him.
“We’re disappointed. We wanted a max contract,” Duffy said, per Evan Sidery of Basketball News. “He went out and was a solider the whole year, played well, improved his statistics. So, we’re proud of him. A lot of guys handle things differently, but he was very mature about it. Things will work out for Deandre. He’s a valuable player. There’s other teams in the league as well. He’s a restricted free agent, so we’ll see how this process unfolds.”
The Suns are reportedly going to part ways with Deandre Ayton this offseason after a rather disappointing performance in the 2022 playoffs. He was non-impactful at all in their second-round exit, and many believe that's the last straw for Phoenix.
Monty Williams' cryptic comments, wherein he refused to show any kind of support to their starting center, also fueled speculations of an incoming breakup.
As Duffy said, however, Ayton is expected to have several suitors. As reported previously, the former no. 1 overall pick is projected to get the max contract this offseason. With that said, the best the Suns can do is work on a sign-and-trade deal that would allow them to get something in return.
Of course nothing is set in stone yet, but there has been no indications as well that Ayton is going to stay.