The Phoenix Suns have just made a major decision that will have a tremendous impact on the future of this franchise. After seeing what the market had to offer for prized big man Deandre Ayton — an offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers amounting to $133 million for four years — the Suns have reportedly decided to match this offer.
This report comes via Shams Charania of The Athletic:
The Phoenix Suns have matched the Indiana Pacers’ four-year, $133 million maximum offer sheet on Deandre Ayton, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Ayton stays in Phoenix.
The Phoenix Suns have matched the Indiana Pacers’ four-year, $133 million maximum offer sheet on Deandre Ayton, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Ayton stays in Phoenix.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 15, 2022
This comes as a major surprise considering how the Suns previously gave every indication that they weren't willing to extend Ayton's deal. The 23-year-old was involved in a highly-publicized spat with head coach Monty Williams during Phoenix's season-ending loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals, and at that point, it felt like it was only a matter of time before Ayton moved on.
For their part, the Pacers were heavily-linked to a swoop on the former first overall pick. They put their money where their mouth is by throwing in a massive offer sheet on the table for Ayton, which the 6-foot-11 big man already agreed to. In an almost shocking turn of events, however, the Suns decided to match that same offer, thereby ensuring that Ayton remains in Phoenix for the long haul.
It would not be surprising if this development ends up having a major impact on the NBA landscape. For their part, the Suns are now virtually out of the race for Kevin Durant. Their decision to extend Ayton is a clear indication that they aren't ready to pull the plug on their current core just yet.
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