‘This battle is getting interesting’ – NBA fans react amid Suns and Pacers’ $133M tug of war for Deandre Ayton
The Phoenix Suns, who simply weren’t prepared to let him get away for nothing, have finally given Deandre Ayton his new contract.
Ayton’s four-year, $133 million offer from the Indiana Pacers was swiftly matched by the Phoenix Suns, according to a source with knowledge of the matter. Because the Suns had not yet made their choice public, the person talked to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
With this move, the Suns will maintain their core of Ayton and the All-Star backcourt of Devin Booker and Chris Paul, at least temporarily. Phoenix was helped by the trio to an NBA Finals appearance in 2021 and a franchise-high 64 victories in the most recent regular season.
Ayton, the first overall selection in the 2018 draft, reportedly qualified for an extension from Phoenix last summer.
He became a restricted free agent this summer after that didn’t happen, giving Phoenix the opportunity to counter any offers. When Indiana moved, the Suns soon retaliated.
The Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant has been connected to Phoenix during the offseason, but due to the new contract, Ayton cannot be utilized as trade bait.
Fans had mixed reactions to the Deandre Ayton news on Twitter
Fans on social media were quick to react after the Pacers and Suns made their offers for Deandre Ayton. One wrote, “Deandre Ayton is simply too good. But he needs to decide fast based on which team can actually give him a shot at winning the NBA title,” while another added, “Simply sad to see such teams battle it out this way. The Pacers matching the Suns’ deal means they put the ball in Ayton’s court.” A third stated, “Is Deandre Ayton really worth so much? I mean he’s good but can’t understand why teams are fighting for him”
Here are a few more reactions:
Congratulations to the Phoenix Suns for securing Deandre Ayton and that 1st round exit in the playoffs 👏😢
— Charlie Peach (@CharlieJ212) July 15, 2022
Day 1 of wishing we had DeAndre Ayton @pacers @nba
— Coltsfan5 (@Coltsfan283) July 15, 2022
You got to wonder what the Pacers will do after not landing Deandre Ayton. I think they should trade Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.
— 🏀 Buhay Basketball 🏀 (@buhaybasketball) July 15, 2022
Question: could deandre ayton nor sign the offer from the suns and finish up the whole year and become a free agent next year?
— Jubail Estebat (@JuBazCourt) July 15, 2022
Deandre Ayton is staying at Suns since he’s getting his $133 M max extension. The suns were the best team to make an offer for KD and now they are out. I guess KD would have to stay with his two drama queens 😭😭💔
— Kobby Morant 🥽 (@KobbyMorant) July 15, 2022
https://twitter.com/Jlap1030/status/1547806362637180928
https://twitter.com/GenghisConway/status/1547798304716570624
Kinda knew that @DeandreAyton was gonna end up staying with @Suns it make sense for him to stay and have a better chance at a ring
— TheRealKingSmooth (@ItsKingSmooth) July 15, 2022
Signing DeAndre Ayton only for the Suns to match is like when a dog walks up to you and then walks away before you can give him pats 🙁
— Efficient Corporate Dream Boy (@Sean_Henry18) July 15, 2022
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