Deandre Ayton had to watch some of his fellow 2018 draftees sign their max contracts this offseason. Unfortunately for the former top overall pick, the Phoenix Suns haven't decided on his extension with the team.
If only head coach Monty Williams was in charge of doling out money to his players, this would be a no-brainer.
“It's not my job to pay a guy. If it was my job, everybody would be rich. I'd pay everybody. The cap isn't based on my heart. The organization would be broke, but everybody would be happy.”
A lot of people expected Ayton to get the bag early, especially after playing a critical role in the Suns' run to the NBA Finals last season. But with Chris Paul signing a massive $120 million deal for four years and Mikal Bridges' extension also on the horizon, Phoenix is taking a cautious approach in spending.
In 69 games for the Suns last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. It was his lowest scoring output in his three years as a professional, but it fails to highlight his overall value to the team.
The former Arizona Wildcat manned the paint for Phoenix in the playoffs, and this skill will be important should the Suns enter the 2022 postseason. The Western Conference is expected to be more competitive in 2021-22, so the team will have to rely on Ayton a lot more.
Ayton is eligible for a five-year deal worth $173 million. If the Suns choose to not extend an offer, he'd enter restricted free agency following the 2021-22 campaign.
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