Deandre Ayton's Agent: 'We're Disappointed. We Wanted a Max Contract'
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The Phoenix Suns haven't paid Deandre Ayton - at least not yet.
The former No. 1 overall selection had a rookie extension declined prior to the beginning of the 2021-22 season, making him an unrestricted free agent heading into the offseason.
Ayton's future with the organization remains in question, as the Suns have the possibility to match any offer made by another team before letting him walk. A sign-and-trade with Ayton also remains on the table, as well as simply re-signing him.
Multiple avenues can be taken by Phoenix, yet Ayton figures to be paid by somebody in the coming months, it's just a matter of who's signing the checks. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed that in a report last week, and now Ayton's agent, Bill Duffy, reaffirmed that position during a SiriusXM Radio interview.
"Look: We're disappointed. We wanted a max contract," Duffy said. "He went out and was a soldier 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.
"The team did well. As far as that last game, it was just an anomaly. Luka (Doncic) just attacked, and things didn't work out. Things will work out for Deandre. He's a valuable player and there's other teams in the league as well (who are interested). He's a restricted free agent so we'll see how this process unfolds."
CBS Sports' Sam Quinn says a max contract from the Suns would be worth a projected $176.9 million over five years for Ayton. If he signed a max contract elsewhere, it would reach an estimated $131.15 million over four seasons.
Arizona Sports' Kevin Zimmerman also pointed out Ayton can choose to play on the $16.4 million qualifying offer the Suns will activate for the 2022-23 season that would make him an unrestricted free agent after next year, although that route seems unlikely.
Ayton, at just 23-years-old, looks to secure a max deal somewhere in the NBA. Whether that's with the Suns or another organization remains a question, yet he and his agent obviously have their eyes fixated on the big money they believe he's earned.
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