Fansided

3 Phoenix Suns who definitely won’t be back next season

By Ian Levy

Mar 13, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) smiles after making a half court shot before the start of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) smiles after making a half court shot before the start of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 25, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton gestures from the bench during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Coduto-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton gestures from the bench during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Coduto-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton tried to leave the Phoenix Suns last season. After public disagreements with Monty Williams and the Suns declining to offer him a max extension he signed an offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers. However, the Suns matched and, as a restricted free agent, he had to come back to Phoenix and try to make the best of it.

The Suns did their best to create offensive opportunities for him and he had some moments of primacy with Devin Booker out of the lineup with injuries. But while Ayton’s shots and points per game went up, his field goal and 3-point percentages dropped sharply. In the playoffs, he again was on the bench and key moment. He did not seem happy about it and his teammates didn’t seem happy with his effort level

The Suns matched his offer sheet last season because they didn’t want to lose him for nothing and maybe thought they could still salvage the relationship. That moment seems to have passed and finding a value trade for him this summer should be a high priority.

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