PHOENIX SUNS

Suns GM believes Deandre Ayton will be back: ‘He’s a big part of what we do’

May 18, 2022, 5:42 PM | Updated: Jun 6, 2022, 8:38 am

Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on...

Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 113-101. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

With the Phoenix Suns’ painful exit in the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday, it’s time for the team to start thinking ahead to next season.

And more importantly, focus on how to complete unfinished business and lift the first Larry O’Brien Trophy in franchise history.

Suns general manager James Jones on Wednesday addressed the hard decisions he and the front office will have to make this offseason with the likes of restricted free agents Deandre Ayton, Aaron Holiday and Ish Wainright, in addition to unrestricted free agents JaVale McGee, Elfrid Payton and Bismack Biyombo.

“That’s a part of the business — as your team improves, typically your payroll increases,” Jones told reporters during his exit interview. “We’re focused on improving the team. Those guys, they deserve the credit, they deserve the accolades and financial rewards that come with being good players and productive players.

“It doesn’t preclude us from doing anything. We’re not talking about luxury tax issues or avoiding those things. That’s not something that’s going to prevent us to continue to build this team and keeping this team together.”

Obviously, the biggest name on that list is Ayton, who as a restricted free agent, can receive a max contract offer of up to four years worth $131.1 million from other teams.

The Suns can then either match that offer, sign him to a five-year max or cut a year off at four years worth $136.6 million.

Two other options include Phoenix working a sign and trade or Ayton taking a one-year, $16.4 million qualifying offer which would mean the center is betting on himself by turning down guaranteed money long-term in order to be in full control of his future as an unrestricted free agent in 2023.

Jones told Burns & Gambo on Wednesday that he believes Ayton will be back with the Suns next season.

“Deandre had an amazing season and he’s progressed every year and improved every year,” the GM said. “He’s been here and so he’s a big part of what we do. His future with us is something we will address at the proper time which is in the future. He’s a free agent and I’ve said all along, he’s about the same things we’re, about which is winning. We’ll address it at the proper time.”

Phoenix Suns

Kevin Durant, Suns...

Kellan Olson

Kevin Durant joins rare 30K club, Suns lose to Grizzlies

Kevin Durant reached a historical accomplishment of 30,000 career points in the Suns' loss to the Grizzlies.

9 hours ago

Kevin Durant...

Damon Allred

Kevin Durant becomes 8th player to reach 30,000 career points

Kevin Durant reached 30,000 career points on Tuesday, making the Suns forward the eighth player to reach the milestone in NBA history.

12 hours ago

Bol Bol...

Damon Allred

Bol Bol gets the start at PF for Suns vs. Grizzlies

The Phoenix Suns gave Bol Bol the start at power forward against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday for his first start in his 60th game as a Sun.

14 hours ago

Suns...

Kellan Olson

Rotation quibbles hang over Suns’ fight for postseason spot

The dueling forces for what direction the Phoenix Suns should go in the future are actively playing a role in their current season.

22 hours ago

The NBA All-Star game has a new format in 2025...

Associated Press

The big question going into NBA All-Star weekend: Will the new format work?

The league has for years pleaded with players to take the NBA All-Star Game more seriously. The latest solution is a radical one: a mini-tournament.

23 hours ago

Kevin Durant...

Alex Weiner

Suns’ Kevin Durant to return on Tuesday, Bradley Beal remains out

Kevin Durant will return to the Phoenix Suns' lineup on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies after a three-game absence.

2 days ago

Suns GM believes Deandre Ayton will be back: ‘He’s a big part of what we do’