Even when using in game clips to illustrate the new rules that will go into play next year the NBA continues to market Curry, Doncic, CP3, etc. and forgets Harden existed #conspiracy #mediabias #justsarcasmguys
The Phoenix Suns' reluctance to offer a maximum rookie contract extension to 2018 No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton has stalled discussions on a deal, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Ayton, a key part of the Suns' run to the 2021 NBA Finals, has no intention of accepting a deal less than the comparable max contracts signed by several of his 2018 NBA draft classmates, including Atlanta's Trae Young, Dallas' Luka Doncic, Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver's Michael Porter Jr., sources told ESPN. …talks between the Suns and Ayton's representatives have been slowed by ownership's current assertion that Ayton doesn't deserve to be included in that group of players -- and a belief by the 7-footer that his performance, his potential and the marketplace dictate that he does. If Suns owner Robert Sarver doesn't come to an agreement with Ayton before the deadline, it will certainly raise questions again about his commitment to constructing a sustainable contender in the Western Conference. Sarver hasn't paid luxury tax as Suns owner since the 2009-10 season -- a full decade before the franchise returned to the playoffs in 2020-21. There were long questions about Sarver's decision to trade future All-Star guard Joe Johnson in 2010 instead of extending his contract, a move that many believe cost the Suns a championship in the Steve Nash-Amare Stoudemire era. Many contending teams have three max players on the roster. For example, Denver had Porter join league MVP Nikola Jokic and guard Jamal Murray with three maxes this summer. For now, the Suns have Devin Booker and Chris Paul on max contracts. The Suns signed Paul to an extension over the summer but have yet to come to an agreement with Ayton or with another key member of their roster. Forward Mikal Bridges is also eligible for a rookie extension.
If the Suns want, I'll trade them Christian Wood for DeAndre Ayton. It's not about equal value talent wise, but Christian should be cheaper for Sarver long term. What do you think @D-rock ?
Unfortunately for Ayton, he isn't worth max. He benefits greatly from just playing with cp3/booker. Is he worth a very nice annual salary of course, but not max. There's probably like 2-3 bigs in the league that are actual max players. He isn't one
I agree he's not max worthy as is but he definitely has potential to grow. It was only two years ago that he averaged 18/11 before CP3's arrival. Plus it seems like he's really committing to being a better defender every year.
yeah I like Ayton a lot. it looks like it'll just come down to do you invest all the way on his potential to actually be a max level player. Or is he just a level below that, which makes more sense imo. While he did average decent numbers prior to cp3's arrival, the suns just started learning how to translate those to winning games. If I'm Ayton, It would make sense to try and capitalize on the season he just had
