5 offseason moves the Phoenix Suns have to make

Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns stands on the court with Mikal Bridges #25, Devin Booker #1 and Cameron Johnson #23 during the first half of Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Footprint Center on May 15, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 123-90. 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) /

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Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22): Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Figure out what’s up with Deandre Ayton

While the Suns were getting destroyed on the court, former top pick in the 2018 NBA Draft was nowhere to be seen. Deandre Ayton played a paltry 17 minutes in the deciding Game 7. When asked about that decision after the game, head coach Monty Williams said it was an “internal decision”. That seems bizarre, but it’s hard to question a head coach who got his team in this position in the first place. The Suns were the best team all season. Ayton did play the fewest minutes per game than he’s played his entire career, but that still meant north of 29 minutes per game.

Outside of a game where he hurt his ankle in Detroit, Ayton never played less than 23 minutes in a game all season. For him to play his least minutes (in a non-injury capacity) in the most pivotal game of the season where the Suns were watching the Mavericks blow the doors off of them makes very little sense. Sure, he did have a -23 plus/minus in those 17 minutes, but to think Ayton was hurting their chance to win when they were getting blown out seems strange.

Now, the Suns have to figure out what to do next. Is a trade a realistic option? Would the pieces the Suns get in return for Ayton work out better than Ayton himself? What did Williams mean by it was an “internal decision”? There are so many questions to answer with this situation specifically. This all comes as Ayton is becoming a restricted free agent. Is he worth a max contract?

The Suns could also keep Ayton and build around him and Booker, which was the original plan. It can still work with the right pieces around them. Ayton’s future is the biggest decision the Suns have to make this offseason.

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