The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Contract negotiations between Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns have reached an impasse.

ESPN first reported that Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns failed to reach an agreement on a rookie contract extension by yesterday’s deadline.

The No.1 pick in the 2018 Draft can enter restricted free agency next summer.

Ayton, 23, is eligible for a five-year, $172.5 million extension that could reach as much as $207 million if he reaches benchmarks and incentives.

This offseason, the Suns have reached extensions with veteran point guard Chris Paul - a four year deal worth up to $120 million; Ayton’s fellow 2018 draftee Mikal Bridges - a four year deal worth up to $90 million and newly acquired guard Landry Shamet - a four year deal worth $43 million.

Without a deal in place, Ayton can become a restricted free agency next summer and can sign an offer sheet with another franchise. The Suns would still have the ability to match the deal and retain his right. Ayton also has the option of playing next season under a one year qualifier and become an unrestricted free agent the following season in 2022-23.

Several players in Ayton’s 2018 NBA draft class have received max contract extensions including Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jaren Jackson Jr of the Memphis Grizzlies, Kevin Huerter of the Atlanta Hawks, Michael Porter Jr of the Denver Nuggets.

“We were two wins away from a championship,” Ayton said following a practice session last week, “And I just really want to be respected to be honest, like my peers are being respected by their teams.”

TMZ Sports first reported that Ayton and Suns owner Robert Sarver met at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort in Phoenix last week as negotiation talks ramped up.

“The relationships I have on this team will never change regardless of whatever the outcome is,” Ayton said, “At the same time you have to come in and work, there’s a job to be done and it’s to win games. With the team we have there’s a goal and task at hand.”

The defending Western Conference champions, the Suns had a 17 game improvement from 34-39 in the 2019-20 season to 51-21 in 2020-21.

Ayton’s personal development coincided with the team’s rise in the standings.

He appeared in 69 of the Suns’ 72 games in the regular season and averaged a double double for the second consecutive campaign - 14.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

Ayton’s memorable 2021 postseason included averages of 15.8 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. He shot 65 percent from the field and finished with 14 double doubles.

According to StatMuse, Ayton is the first player in NBA history to average at least 15 points and 10 rebounds per game on 65 percent field goal shooting in a single playoffs (minimum of 10 games).

In the Finals, Ayton averaged 14.7 points, 12 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game on 54 percent shooting from the field. He posted 22 points and 19 rebounds in his NBA Finals debut and followed with 10 points and 11 rebounds in game two - both wins for the Suns. He followed with 18 points and nine rebounds in a game three loss, six points and 17 rebounds in game four and finally 20 points and 10 rebounds in game five.