NBA to Investigate Robert Sarver, Suns After Allegations of Racism, Misogyny
Nov 4, 2021
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 13: Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver attends Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center on October 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Sky 91-86 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The NBA will investigate the allegations of racism and misogyny made against Phoenix Suns managing partner Robert Sarver in a report by ESPN's Baxter Holmes.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski previously reported the league is planning to launch an investigation but that it may take more time than the 2014 probe into former Clippers governor Donald Sterling:
Reporting on the NBA’s expected response in wake of @baxter’s investigation into Robert Sarver and the Suns. pic.twitter.com/vBVe5ZQQUE
Holmes published a detailed expose on Sarver's 17 years as the Suns' managing partner, which includes several accounts alleging racism and misogyny by Sarver. He is accused of using a racial slur on several occasions, making remarks about how he did not want diversity on his team and making other racially insensitive remarks.
He is also accused of making crude sexual comments in conversations with employees, passing around pictures of his wife in a bikini and demeaning women. A number of accounts also alleged the organization as a whole is a "toxic and sometimes hostile workplace."
Sarver has categorically denied the allegations, which were made after Holmes spoke with more than 70 current and former Suns employees. The Suns released a statement on Sarver's behalf, with Sarver saying he welcomes an independent investigation run by the NBA.
After the NBA announced it would investigate the matter, the NBPA expressed support for the league's decision:
In 2014, the NBA barred Sterling for life after racist comments he made in a conversation with his mistress were leaked to the media. The league forced Sterling to sell the Clippers franchise, which was purchased by Steve Ballmer for $2 billion.
Robert Sarver’s Alleged Use of Racial Slurs, Misogyny, More, Detailed in ESPN Report
Nov 4, 2021
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 13: Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver attends Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center on October 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Sky 91-86 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns managing partner Robert Sarver has been accused of creating a "toxic and sometimes hostile workplace" in which he is alleged to have regularly used racist and misogynistic language over the course of his 17-year tenure, according to ESPN's Baxter Holmes.
Holmes spoke with 70 current and former members of the Suns organization and summarized some of the details they shared in numerous accounts of Sarver's behavior and the workplace environment:
Some told ESPN that he has used racially insensitive language repeatedly in the office. Employees recounted conduct they felt was inappropriate and misogynistic, including Sarver once passing around a picture of his wife in a bikini to employees and speaking about times his wife performed oral sex on him. Some said the longtime owner fostered an environment in which employees felt they were his property, even once asking one woman whether he 'owned' her to determine whether she worked for the Suns.
In October, the Suns and Sarver issued statements in advance of the investigation. Sarver said in part that "some of the claims I find repugnant to my nature and to the character of the Suns/Mercury workplace and I can tell you they never, ever happened."
Sarver also provided multiple denials to Holmes through his legal representatives: "I've never called anyone or any group of people the N-word, or referred to anyone or any group of people by the N-word, either verbally or in writing. I don't use that word. It is abhorrent and ugly and denigrating and against everything I believe in."
Holmes opened the piece by recounting a 2016 incident in which then-head coach Earl Watson said Sarver used the racial slur in front him and asked, "Why does Draymond Green get to run up the court and say [it]?"
Although Sarver said he used the racial slur on one occasion, he disputed Watson's retelling of the 2016 exchange. He instead said he approached a Suns player who received a technical foul for using the N-word in the middle of a game and said the player should appeal the ruling.
"This is absolutely untrue," he said. "I remember the game and topic clearly. I of course never used the word myself. During this conversation, I said 'N-word' without saying the full word. The word itself never crossed my lips."
The player in question didn't recall having the conversation with Sarver.
According to Holmes, at least six team staffers spoke about "Sarver hearing a story from a Black player and then using the same language when retelling it, down to the usage of the N-word."
He allegedly also preferred hiring Watson or Lindsey Hunter as head coach—Hunter was the interim replacement for Alvin Gentry in 2012-13—because they were Black. Regarding Hunter, in particular, a staff member said Sarver said "these [N-words] need a [N-word]" in reference to the Suns players.
In terms of wider organizational issues, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass told Holmes the league office has yet to receive any formal complaints. Likewise, NBPA executive director Michele Roberts "said she was not aware of any reports from players of misconduct by Sarver or the Suns," noting that the organization hasn't had much official contact with the team except with point guard and former NBPA president Chris Paul and general manager James Jones.
However, one current member of the Suns' business operations team said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver would be "appalled" if the league were to investigate the Suns' inner workings.
One former female employee told Holmes she felt Sarver didn't believe women held much value and were "possessions."
The problems weren't isolated to Sarver, with employees telling Holmes that Suns executives were responsible for creating an uncomfortable workplace.
In one instance, a female employee said she was physically assaulted by a male co-worker outside the workplace. After reporting the alleged assault to the organization's human resources department, the woman said they decided merely to move her desk to a different row in the same room as the man. To her knowledge, there was no additional investigation into the situation.
Sarver later issued a statement, noting he would "entirely welcome" an "impartial NBA investigation" into the matter:
I continue to be shocked by the false reporting from Baxter Holmes. While there is so much that is inaccurate and misleading in this story that I hardly know where to begin, let me be clear: The N-word is not part of my vocabulary. I have never called anyone or any group of people the n-word, or referred to anyone or any group of people by that word, either verbally or in writing. I don't use that word. It is abhorrent and ugly and denigrating and against everything I believe in. The way I lead my personal and professional life makes that clear. Instead of reporting the truth, Holmes' story is based on misrepresentations from former Suns coach Earl Watson and other unnamed 'sources.' Mr. Watson created an unprofessional and toxic atmosphere in our organization. He is clearly not a credible source. Despite hearing from witness after witness that disputed Mr. Watson's stories, Mr. Holmes completely disregarded the truth here. Now we are in the position of trying to disprove things that did not happen.
At this point, I would entirely welcome an impartial NBA investigation which may prove our only outlet for clearing my name and the reputation of an organization of which I'm so very proud.
Watson discussed the situation in a statement, applauding those who came forward and spoke out:
Sarver took control of the Suns in 2004 for $401 million.
He has previously been criticized for his stewardship of the franchise because of Phoenix's lack of on-court success. Following Mike D'Antoni's final season (2007-08), the Suns have made the playoffs twice, reaching the NBA Finals in 2020-21.
In March 2019, ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz also detailed dysfunction behind the scenes, though his report was largely limited to basketball-related matters.
Chris Paul Passes Steve Nash on NBA's All-Time Assist List as Suns Down Pelicans
Nov 3, 2021
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 2: Chris Paul #3 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns laugh during pregame before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on November 2, 2021 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
The defending Western Conference champions are putting their slow start behind them.
The Phoenix Suns defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 112-100 in Tuesday's Western Conference battle at Footprint Center. Mikal Bridges led the scoring with 22 points as six players finished in double figures for the victors, who improved to 3-3 on the season with their second consecutive win.
Most notably, Chris Paul dished out 18 dimes and passed Steve Nash for the third-most assists in NBA history.
A double-double from Jonas Valanciunas wasn't enough in Zion Williamson's absence for the Pelicans, who fell to an ugly 1-7 on the campaign with their fourth straight loss.
Notable Player Stats
Chris Paul, PG, PHO: 14 PTS, 18 AST, 7 REB
Mikal Bridges, F, PHO: 22 PTS
Devin Booker, G, PHO: 18 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST
Jonas Valanciunas, C, NO: 23 PTS, 14 REB, 2 BLK
Josh Hart, G, NO: 16 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST
Chris Paul Puts on a Show Down the Stretch
There aren't many better chances for a contender to get back on track than a matchup at home against a Pelicans team missing its two biggest stars.
Even though the Suns were without big man Deandre Ayton because of a leg injury, they figured to have enough firepower to win consecutive games for the first time all season. Yet a sluggish start once again put Phoenix in comeback mode.
Paul and Devin Booker combined for eight turnovers in the first half alone, and the former didn't score a point before intermission despite dishing out eight assists. Booker also struggled with his shot, and the defense didn't have an answer for Valanciunas without Ayton on the floor.
Fortunately for the Suns, they were still within striking distance to start the second half thanks to a three-point spark from Jae Crowder, Paul's ability to facilitate even though he wasn't scoring, and some secondary scoring by Bridges and Frank Kaminsky.
They remained there after a back-and-forth third quarter and finally pulled ahead for good when Paul took over the game after passing Nash in the all-time assists category.
In fact, he scored or assisted on 25 points in the final quarter and made all five of his field-goal attempts. Considering the Pelicans scored a mere 18 points as an entire team in the fourth, the game was essentially decided as the future Hall of Famer darted in and out of the defense and kept everyone involved.
Sometimes it takes a transcendent performance to snap a team out of a slump, and Paul provided just that against New Orleans.
Fourth-Quarter Collapse Leads to Another Loss for Pelicans
This is not how the season was supposed to start for the Pelicans.
Rather than continuing to build around Williamson, the star is yet to play in 2021-22 because of a fractured foot. Andrew Lopez of ESPN reported he is "progressing" but still needs to undergo additional scans in two to three weeks to determine when he can return. To make matters worse, Brandon Ingram was sidelined Tuesday with a hip injury.
Yet the team that took the floor in Phoenix was dialed in from the start and jumped out to an 11-point halftime lead with Valanciunas taking advantage of a shorthanded Suns frontcourt and scoring in the paint and beyond the three-point line.
Throw in Josh Hart finding his stroke from deep and Devonte' Graham facilitating and forcing turnovers with his perimeter defense, and the Pelicans were in full control throughout the early going.
And then the fourth quarter happened.
A New Orleans defense that set the tone in the first half was nowhere to be found as the visitors were outscored 36-18. JaVale McGee was unstoppable down low at times, Paul took over for a with floaters and mid-range jumpers in the lane to go with his assists, and Booker finally started hitting shots after an ice-cold start.
The result was yet another loss for what is shaping up to be one of the league's worst teams at this point.
What's Next?
The Pelicans remain on the road to face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, while the Suns host the Houston Rockets on Thursday.
Suns' Deandre Ayton Ruled out for Pelicans Game with Leg Injury
Nov 3, 2021
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton grabs a rebound against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton suffered a right leg contusion in Saturday'sgame against the Cleveland Cavaliers and won't be available for Tuesday night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans, head coach Monty Williams told reporters.
It's unclear when he might return.
The 23-year-old hurt his right leg in the third quarter against the Cavaliers, and he was later subbed out and never returned.
Went back to when Deandre Ayton was last in and this looks like where he got hurt? Limped to the huddle after pic.twitter.com/pmTaeaEp5f
With Ayton sidelined, JaVale McGee will be tasked with filling the center void. Jalen Smith and Frank Kaminsky should also see more playing time in the Arizona product's absence.
Ayton has been quite durable for the Suns since being drafted first overall in 2018. While he was suspended for 25 games during the 2019-20 season after testing positive for a banned substance, he only missed 24 other games through his first three seasons.
He took a big step forward during the 2020-21 campaign and was a key player in the Suns' run to the NBA Finals. He averaged 15.8 points and 11.8 rebounds on 65.8 percent shooting in the postseason.
Despite his best efforts, though, he and the Suns were unable to reach an agreement on a rookie contract extension before the Oct. 18 deadline. Phoenix now risks losing him as he will become a restricted free agent next summer.
The Suns are a disappointing 2-3 to begin the 2021-22 season. They'll need Ayton healthy to better their standing in the Western Conference.
Deandre Ayton Ruled out for Suns vs. Cavaliers After Suffering Leg Injury
Oct 31, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCT 10: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 10, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton suffered a right leg contusion against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday evening and has been declared out for the remainder of the game.
Ayton missed time last season with a knee injury and has dealt with ankle concerns throughout his career.
Phoenix has championship aspirations again this season after reaching the last NBA Finals and may need Ayton on the court if they are to realize that potential. The Arizona product averaged 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game last season, providing a scoring presence inside and helping control the boards.
The 2018 No. 1 overall pick has followed with 13.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game as he looks to average a double-double for a fourth straight year. He had 17 points and 12 boards versus the Cavs before exiting with 4:12 left in the third quarter.
While the Suns can still rely on their backcourt of Chris Paul and Devin Booker to carry the offense, look for JaVale McGee and Frank Kaminsky to see more time in the frontcourt if Ayton is sidelined following this latest setback.
Deandre Ayton Trade Rumors: Suns C 'Definitely Not' On Block Despite Lack of Contract
Oct 23, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns smiles during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 10, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
Deandre Ayton's contract status will hang over the Phoenix Suns all season, but that doesn't mean the reigning Western Conference champions are looking to move on from their young center.
Per Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, one NBA general manager said an Ayton trade is "definitely not" on the table at this point.
"The Suns still have a lot of the leverage in this," the GM added. "But if they really don’t think the situation is going to change, then, yeah, they’d have to consider maybe making a move sooner than later."
The Suns and Ayton were unable to agree to terms on a rookie extension before Monday's 6 p.m. ET deadline.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst, Ayton was holding out for a five-year max extension that would have been worth $172.5 million plus escalators.
Wojnarowski and Windhorst noted the Suns "raised the concept" of a short-term max deal, but the Suns never made a formal offer.
There are now multiple scenarios in play next offseason. The most likely is the Suns extending a qualifying offer to Ayton, making him a restricted free agent. They would have the ability to match any potential offer sheet he receives from another club.
It's not implausible that the Suns would decline to extend Ayton a qualifying offer, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. It doesn't seem likely, especially given his age (23) and how important he was to their playoff run last season.
Ayton was selected No. 1 overall by the Suns in the 2018 NBA draft. He has averaged 15.9 points on 58.7 percent shooting and 10.6 rebounds per game in 180 career games.
The Arizona alum improved his defensive performance last season. His 3.1 defensive win shares in 2020-21 nearly matched his total from the previous two seasons combined (3.3), per Basketball-Reference.com.
Suns' Robert Sarver Denies Alleged Wrongdoing Detailed in Forthcoming ESPN Story
Oct 22, 2021
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 08: Owner Robert Sarver of the Phoenix Suns attends the NBA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns Arena on February 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns released a statement Friday calling allegations made in a forthcoming ESPN story "completely baseless."
Reporter Jordan Schultz tweeted Sarver is being accused of "racism, sexism and sexual harassment in a series of incidents." No further details on the story have been made public.
Sarver's full statement calls the allegations "completely repugnant" and says he rejects "any insinuation of personal or organizational racism or gender discrimination":
"While I can’t begin to know how to respond to some of the vague suggestions made by mostly anonymous voices, I can certainly tell you that some of the claims I find completely repugnant to my nature and to the character of the Suns/Mercury workplace and I can tell you they never, ever happened.
“First and foremost, I reject any insinuation of personal or organizational racism or gender discrimination. I despise language that disrespects any individuals, regardless of race, gender, preference, or choice. Such language has no place in business or at home in what I consider Suns and Mercury families. I am proud of our record of diversity and inclusion on both teams—whether on the court or in the front office.
“I don’t begin to know how to prove that something DIDN’T happen, and it is difficult to erase or forget ugly accusations once they are made. Even hints of racism or sexism in our culture today are toxic and damaging and should not be lightly raised. I categorically deny any and all suggestions that I used disparaging language related to race or gender. I would like to think that my actions and public record regarding race, gender, or discrimination of any kind, over a lifetime in business and community service, will adequately answer any questions anyone might raise about my commitment to equality and fairness.”
Suns general manager James Jones also released a statement of support for Sarver.
Former Los Angeles Clippers governor Donald Sterling was banned for life by the NBA in 2014 after racist comments he made with his mistress were leaked to the public. Sterling was forced to sell the franchise, with Steve Ballmer paying an NBA record $2 billion in the sale.
Schultz's report indicated the allegations could have a similar impact for Sarver, who bought the Suns in 2004. His ownership has been fraught with displeasure from fans, many of whom have accused Sarver of prioritizing finances over winning basketball games.
Deandre Ayton 'Disappointed' After Failing to Agree to Max Contract with Suns
Oct 21, 2021
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 6: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during a preseason game on October 6, 2021 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Deandre Ayton has addressed his failed contract extension talks with the Phoenix Suns.
Speaking to reporters after Wednesday's season-opening 110-98 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Ayton said he's "disappointed" after being unable to come to terms on a long-term deal.
"One thing about me, throughout my whole life, I've always learned to control what I can control. At the same time, obviously I'm disappointed, but I'm still trying to get us back to the finals." #Suns big Deandre Ayton addressing contract talks as they ended w/o an extension. pic.twitter.com/nJPmkUMqCi
One of the biggest stories in the NBA leading up to the start of the regular season was the negotiations between Ayton and the Suns. The two sides had until Monday at 6 p.m. ET to reach an agreement on a rookie extension.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst, the Suns never presented Ayton with a formal offer as he "held firm" on wanting a full five-year max contract worth $172.5 million "plus possible escalators."
By not signing an extension, the most-likely scenario right now is the Suns make Ayton a qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent next offseason. The 23-year-old would be eligible to sign offer sheets from another club, but Phoenix would have the right to match.
There's also a chance that Ayton elects to sign the qualifying offer next offseason worth $16.4 million, play out the 2022-23 season and become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2023.
Phoenix's decision not to extend Ayton came after the organization had a busy offseason. Chris Paul re-signed with the team for four years as a free agent. Mikal Bridges and Landry Shamet both signed extensions before the start of the season.
Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, has been the Suns' starting center since arriving in the NBA. He averaged 14.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, and he had a career-high 65.3 true shooting percentage in 69 starts last season, per Basketball Reference.
Nikola Jokic, Nuggets Cruise Past Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Suns for Win
Oct 21, 2021
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) moves the ball up court as Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) pursues during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
It's a new season and new results for the Denver Nuggets.
Though the Nuggets got swept by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of last season's playoffs, they kick-started the 2021-22 campaign with a 110-98 victory in Wednesday's Western Conference showdown at Footprint Center.
Nikola Jokic led a balanced attack for the Nuggets, while a double-double from Chris Paul was not enough for the Suns.
Jokic Leads Balanced Nuggets to Impressive Road Win
Wednesday's game was just one of 82 during the regular season, but it is hard to script a better way to put last playoff's failures in the rearview mirror than to start a new campaign by beating the team that swept you.
That was the opportunity in front of the Nuggets even though they still don't have Jamal Murray as he recovers from a torn ACL.
With no Murray, much of the offensive responsibility fell on the shoulders of the reigning MVP. Jokic picked up where he left off last season and poured in 15 points in the first half alone with ruthless efficiency while also controlling the boards and creating space for his teammates to hit outside looks.
The visitors still trailed by seven heading into the half, but Will Barton's individual burst gave them momentum they eventually parlayed into a double-digit lead by the end of the third quarter.
Michael Porter Jr. and Monte Morris got involved with their smooth outside shots, Aaron Gordon mixed it up with Jae Crowder while contributing a number of ways, and Jokic continued to dazzle when he went coast-to-coast for a layup like a guard.
That put Denver in position to win in the fourth quarter, and Jeff Green and P.J. Dozier bolstered that position with their outside shooting. The Nuggets won the late minutes with Jokic on the bench, and he immediately extended the lead back to double digits upon returning for crunch time.
Six Nuggets scored in double figures with their MVP taking over for stretches, which was a formula for an impressive road win.
Suns Offense Goes Missing Down the Stretch
The Suns missed the playoffs for 10 seasons in a row just to make it all the way to the NBA Finals in 2020-21. Whether they can remain among the league's championship contenders in a daunting Western Conference remains one of the biggest storylines heading into a new campaign.
Denver figures to be one of the teams they are battling for positioning throughout the year, and they looked every bit the part of contenders while overcoming a slow start and staking themselves to a seven-point halftime lead behind a dominant second quarter.
Paul, as he so often is, was in full control while gliding in and out of the defense, hitting from the outside and setting up his teammates.
New addition Landry Shamet also provided a spark off the bench with his outside shooting, and Deandre Ayton—perhaps motivated by the uncertainty regarding his contract situation—scored inside the paint and even extended his arsenal beyond the arc.
Yet Phoenix's offense went ice-cold the rest of the way. Were it not for the bench combination of Cameron Payne, Cameron Johnson and Shamet closing the third quarter with a run, the game may have been over before the fourth even started.
Things got even worse in that final quarter, as 18 total turnovers and missed open looks derailed any comeback efforts. The Suns forced the issue just trying to make up the deficit, and the result was an ugly 16 points in the fourth.
A 38-point second quarter proved to be more of an anomaly than a sign of things to come in this game, and Phoenix didn't have the firepower to keep pace.
What's Next?
Both teams play Friday when the Suns are at the Los Angeles Lakers and the Nuggets host the San Antonio Spurs.
Deandre Ayton 5-Year Max Contract Wasn't of Interest to Suns, James Jones Says
Oct 20, 2021
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 6: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during a preseason game on October 6, 2021 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Deandre Ayton is just 23 years old and a major reason the Phoenix Suns reached last season's NBA Finals, but the front office wasn't interested in making a long-term max commitment to the big man this offseason.
General manager James Jones said on the Burns and Gambo Show (h/t Kellan Olson of 98.7 Arizona Sports) the decision to not sign Ayton to a five-year max extension happened for multiple reasons, including a preference on roster construction.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday that contract discussions between Ayton and the team ended when Suns governor Robert Sarver didn't offer a max rookie extension. The deadline for such deals for 2018 draft picks was Monday at 6 p.m. ET.
A number of players from that class, including Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Wendell Carter Jr., Mikal Bridges, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Michael Porter Jr., have received deals:
Extensions so far:
3: L. Doncic: 5/$207.1 million 5: T. Young: 5/$172.5 million 7: W.Carter Jr.: 4/$50 million 10: Mk.Bridges: 4/$90 million 11: S. Gilgeous-Alexander: 5/$172.5 million 14: M. Porter Jr.: 5/$172.5 million 27: R.Williams: 4/$48 million
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on his podcast that Ayton wanted the "Trae Young max" of five years and $172.6 million.
"That's what his expectation was," Windhorst said. "The Suns were not willing to give him a five-year contract."
Ayton is now scheduled for restricted free agency following the 2021-22 campaign, although the Suns will still have the ability to match any offer sheets he receives from other teams. Yossi Gozlan of Hoops Hype noted they can also offer $44.6 million more than teams like the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs even if they offer max contracts.
The Arizona product was the No. 1 overall pick of that 2018 draft class and has averaged a double-double in each of his first three seasons. He posted 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks a night for last season's NBA Finals team.
While he struggled to match up with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Finals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, he was an integral part of the postseason run and bolstered his totals with 15.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per game in the playoffs.
He figures to build on that in the coming seasons, although his future is somewhat uncertain without the contract extension.
