What the Suns expect from Deandre Ayton

Because the Pacers forced their hand by offering him a contract, the Suns extended Deandre Ayton for $133 million over four years. Their pivot was “protected” and they waited for an outside offer to execute. It’s a very nice contract, but far from the approximately 200 million dollars over five years that Luka Doncic, Trae Young or even Ja Morant and Zion Williamson will receive.

The most important thing for the Suns is that Deandre Ayton is still there and that this contract extension is a sign that the two parties want to continue their adventure together.

“This episode is behind us” assures GM James Jones. “That contract is behind us, and the focus now is on how we help him progress, and that he continues to progress. We have ideas and plans for that. It’s up to the staff and me to figure out how to help him in coordination with the other guys. They must continue to exploit their abilities. their potential. Deandre is in good shape. He is in top form. He really worked on what I would call ‘second level stuff’ and I know he’s eager to prove he’s better than last year. “

Central Arizona asks him what he means by “second level things”. Here is what he replies: These are his answers. His adjustments. Like second-level assets: fake shots, mid-range shots, access to the circle, the “spin move”, take the ball at the head of the racket and eliminate your opponent, the pick-and-pop. Anything in the second-level domain. Adjustments to his basic moves. He does a good job on that.”