Sources: Suns Balking at Max Contract Offer for Deandre Ayton

ESPN Insider Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that the Phoenix Suns are reluctant to offer center Deandre Ayton a max contract, which has negotiations on an extension stalled.

Ayton is eligible for a 5-year max rookie extension worth  $172 million, and, according to Woj, he is intent to get it.

Ayton, a key part of the Suns’ run to the 2021 NBA Finals, has no intention of accepting a deal less than the comparable max contracts that several of his 2018 NBA Draft classmates signed, including Trae Young, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Michael Porter Jr. https://t.co/2vutSYzPpH

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 5, 2021

The 2018 draft class has already had a number of max rookie contracts handed out, including Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and most recently, Michael Porter Jr. 

Now, as the No. 1 pick of that draft class, fresh off an appearance in the NBA Finals, Ayton wants the bag, as well.

The 23-year-old center was a valuable piece of that Suns' finals team, but ownership apparently feels that he isn't on the same level as the other superstars from that draft class. 

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Ayton's 66% field goal percentage in the 2021 playoffs was the highest in NBA history.

October 18th is the deadline for rookie extensions; without it, Ayton could become a restricted free agent at season's end. 

Suns forward Mikal Bridges is also eligible for a rookie extension, and also faces the Oct. 18th cutoff date. 

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports