Suns: Teammates Show Support for Deandre Ayton as Uncertain Offseason Nears
It's one of the most important off-seasons in recent memory for the Phoenix Suns, as the franchise looks to right whatever wrongs they can after departing earlier than expected from the NBA playoffs.
Those decisions are heavily reflected in the financial status of the team, with decisions to be made on key players for the upcoming season.
Guard Devin Booker will likely be up for a max extension after a potential All-NBA listing arrives, and many around the Valley believe that's the easiest decision for Phoenix to make.
Forward Cam Johnson is now eligible for rookie extension that would be (25% maximum of the cap) a five-year, $186 million deal. The Suns are likely to negotiate a more team-friendly deal, yet Johnson is expected to see a nice bump in salary regardless.
Then, you have center Deandre Ayton.
The former number one pick heads into the offseason as a restricted free agent and is in search of a max deal. Ayton is just the second No. 1 pick since 2008 to not have his rookie contract extended, following the footsteps of 2013's top man in Anthony Bennett.
That's not to say Ayton won't garner heavy interest on the market despite Phoenix ultimately controlling his destiny, as many teams around the league are reportedly more than happy to welcome him on board.
The next few months will feature heavy discourse on Ayton's future with the Suns, yet a handful of his teammates showed some support for him regardless of his destination after their loss in Game 7 to the Dallas Mavericks.
" (I) Just told him I love him no matter what. Just always love him, man. That’s what I told him," said Mikal Bridges.
Booker was a bit more elaborative when it came to the words exchanged following the game.
“I care about him as a brother. Just making sure his mental is right, making sure he’s straight off the court, just making sure he’s in the right position. We have that type of relationship," said Booker.
"Whatever happens, happens. It’s kind of hard to look so far ahead in the future and try to determine your future. Just have to be ready to go.”
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