Deandre Ayton had signed a max offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers after a long and drawn-out saga with the Phoenix Suns. Some suspected that Ayton might end up joining the Pacers, but since he was a restricted free agent, the Suns had the opportunity to match the offer, and they did, ensuring that Ayton would start the season with the team.
While there have been rumors of Deandre not seeing eye to eye with Suns Head Coach Monty Williams, he did send a wholesome message to the Suns’ fanbase after he signed the deal. The Pacers were left without the man they wanted, though, and Ayton had a few words for the organization as well, as reported by ESPN.
“The shift in free agency brought a lot of uncertainty through the whole process,” Ayton said. “I got to give a lot of respect to the Pacers organization. They were aggressive from the start and showing a lot of love. And we agreed to a max offer sheet. The Suns matched. Now, I’m back in Phoenix as a Sun.
“I’m happy. The process is over. I put all this behind me and focus on chasing a championship this upcoming season with my brothers.”
It’s hard to tell what would have happened to Ayton had the Pacers not extended him an offer sheet, as it seemed quite clear that the uns weren’t initially willing to pay him the max contract. Getting him back has also effectively put them out of the sweepstakes for Kevin Durant, though, so it remains to be seen how everything unfolds.
For Ayton, he has now secured a contract for himself, the likes of which most NBA players don’t see, and he will have to step it up this coming season if the Suns want to finally win the championship. Chris Paul isn’t getting any younger, and they will want to make one more push next season in what promises to be an exciting campaign again.
