Deandre Ayton Voices ‘Disappointment’ That Phoenix Hasn’t Yet Reached Contract Deal
Last week, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the “Phoenix Suns reluctance to offer a maximum rookie contract extension” to Deandre Ayton “had stalled discussions on a deal.”
Following those reports, Ayton recently commented on the matter and did not hide his frustrations regarding not being offered the max level deal that other players in his draft class have received, such as Luka Doncic and Trae Young.
Deandre Ayton addresses contract talks, saying he’s “disappointed” a deal hasn’t gotten done and he wants to be respected like his peers as ESPN reported last week contract talks were stalled over getting rookie max extension. #Suns pic.twitter.com/XVtj06fojN
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 12, 2021
“I love Phoenix but I’m really disappointed that we haven’t really gotten a deal done yet,” he said. “We were two wins from a championship and I just really want to be respected, to be honest. Be respected like my peers are being respected by their teams.”
Ayton then said he will “let them handle it in the most professional way possible and just control what I can control” when asked if he is confident a deal will get done.
Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.5 rebounds a game last season and solidified himself as a key component in the Suns’ playoff run—he averaged 15.8 points, 11.8 rebounds in the playoffs, posting 14 double-doubles. The team has allotted two spots for a rookie max contracts available per NBA rules. With two-time All-Star Devin Booker filling one of those spots, Ayton is eligible for the other.
The Phoenix Suns have until October 18th to offer the five-year, $172.5 million contract extension Ayton is seeking. If nothing happens, he could become a restricted free agent next offseason.
