Phoenix Matches Ayton, What’s Next?

Deandre Ayton signs his long-awaited extension. (Allison Harissis)

Deandre Ayton was the biggest question mark heading into the second week of NBA free agency. However, the silence was finally broken when he agreed to a max contract with the Pacers on July 14. Once he agreed to that deal, the Suns had until July 16 at 11:59 p.m. to match the offer sheet, or he would be suiting up in Indiana come October. The Suns matched within the hour, which begs the question, was DA worth it?

The simple answer to that question is yes. Even though Ayton does not put up the numbers that other stars do, his presence is felt night in and night out for Phoenix. He’s a threat to put up 20 and 12 on any night, and his impact on the defensive end shows almost every time down the court. Even if he does not block the shot, he alters it in many ways, which leads to stops. At the end of the day, Phoenix can not let the number one pick from just four years ago walk for nothing, especially knowing that the core of Ayton, Booker, CP3, and Mikal can win, as they were just two games away from walking away with the title in 2021. 

Now comes the obvious downside of the signing, hurting the race for KD. With Ayton signed and unable to be traded until the middle of January 2023, will the Suns still have a potential package for Durant? It seems unlikely. If the Nets were to send Durant to Phoenix in a package without including Ayton, that would mean gutting the team completely, and even then, it’s hard to believe Brooklyn would be interested. As a Phoenix fan, the hope must be for Durant to suit up with Brooklyn this season and then to deal him in January in a deal involving Ayton.