Suns Adamant Deandre Ayton is 'Huge Part of What We Do'

As Ayton enters free agency, Suns general manager James Jones makes Phoenix's intentions clear on their former No. 1 pick.

Outside noise for the Phoenix Suns has been quite loud on Deandre Ayton's potential departure. 

Scour the internet and you'll find articles, clips, tweets, whatever you desire from NBA analysts and insiders alike suggesting Ayton is as good as gone. 

The Suns failing to reach a contract extension with Ayton last season on top of his spat with coach Monty Williams in Game 7 hasn't exactly brought great hopes of him remaining in Phoenix. 

However, Suns general manager James Jones spoke with reporters following an uneventful NBA draft on Thursday night and made Phoenix's intentions with Ayton clear:

"Nothing has changed on our end," said Jones. "We haven't said anything different. DA remains a huge part of what we do and he's a free agent. So we'll talk about free agency when that time comes, but that hasn't changed. I think you hear his teammates. They echo the same sentiment that we have. This team is a really good team and we're going to keep it together." 

When asked about responding to any offer sheets Ayton may acquire in free agency, Jones deferred talk until that actually happens. 

"That's a free agency situation. What we were focused on today was the draft and just starting to prepare ourselves and our guys for Summer League for the fall. I know that's a big question," said Jones. "That's the topic everyone wants to talk about. But I've said before and I'll say it again: DA's a tremendous part of what we do and we want to keep this team together."

Ayton heads into the summer as a restricted free agent, and if the Suns want to ensure he's in Phoenix for the future, they will have the opportunity to do so. 

Time will tell if Phoenix's actions follow their words. 

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