Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton just wants to get paid like his fellow 2018 draftees Trae Young and Luka Doncic. But, it appears the Suns don't believe he deserves a max extension.
Per Adrian Wojnarowski, contract negotiations have hit a major stalemate because Ayton isn't willing to accept anything less than a rookie max deal.
Ayton, a key part of the Suns’ run to the 2021 NBA Finals, has no intention of accepting a deal less than the comparable max contracts that several of his 2018 NBA Draft classmates signed, including Trae Young, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Michael Porter Jr. https://t.co/2vutSYzPpH
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 5, 2021
Ayton was a huge part of the Suns' in their heroic run to the finals and it's not exactly surprising that he wants a big dollar after he saw the likes of Luka, Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Michael Porter Jr get absolutely paid this summer. However, if you look around the league, the only centers that receive max contracts are the ones who literally carry their teams like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Ayton isn't even close to that at this point.
Per Woj, Ayton is eligible for a five-year, $172.5 million extension which could reach over $200 million but with the October 18th rookie deadline quickly approaching, there's a belief that the Suns' big man could ultimately become a restricted free agent next summer.
Ayton averaged 15.8 points and 11.8 rebounds in the 2021 Playoffs while shooting 66% from the field. His development and growth are heavily attributed to the relationship he's built with Monty Williams, becoming a much better player on both sides of the ball under the Suns' coach.
Phoenix currently has a good thing with Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Ayton leading the way for a young, hungry team who are poised to make it back to the finals. It would be a shame to break up the band next summer.
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