2021-22 Season/Offseason Speculation

[cberry78]

TMZ is owned by FauxNews now so I dunno how to take this......

Sent from my SM-N960U using RealGM mobile app

I believe TMZ functions as the reputable, legitimate news arm of that organization.

Before the acquisition I'm sure TMZ was as reputable as TMZ could be, since the acquisition I am reserving judgement. However, you will always be judged by the company you keep.

[BobbieL]

Read on Twitter

Damn. TMZ already in the mix. This makes me feel better. Making national news.. No one is gonna side with Sarver....he's hated by all but a few people. Hopefully this forces him to act.

TMZ is owned by FauxNews now so I dunno how to take this......

Sent from my SM-N960U using RealGM mobile app

glad they met
hopefully SArver realizes that even though the Max may seem like a lot - how do you replace him under the cap

get it done

This team is going to be GOOD!

[lilfishi22]

I can't see a single scenario where Ayton takes the QO. It's just not going to happen. Not only will he leave our big offer on the table, he'll be leaving big offers from other teams on the table. When you have the opportunity to secure generational wealth, you take it and figure it out later.

[Slim Charless]

I can't see a single scenario where Ayton takes the QO. It's just not going to happen. Not only will he leave our big offer on the table, he'll be leaving big offers from other teams on the table. When you have the opportunity to secure generational wealth, you take it and figure it out later.

I can see a scenario. It's playing out right now....it could be worsened if BW's right and they sign Mikal 1st. Imagine how that plays out in the locker room every night?

[suns12345]

I can't see a single scenario where Ayton takes the QO. It's just not going to happen. Not only will he leave our big offer on the table, he'll be leaving big offers from other teams on the table. When you have the opportunity to secure generational wealth, you take it and figure it out later.

I can see a scenario. It's playing out right now....it could be worsened if BW's right and they sign Mikal 1st. Imagine how that plays out in the locker room every night?

Thye would each have an offer on the table they could sign, in fact i'd imagine Ayton has a bigger offer on the table than Mikal.

So I don't think one of them signing their offer would make the other jealous - any animosity would be directed to the organisation not the other player

[lilfishi22]

I can't see a single scenario where Ayton takes the QO. It's just not going to happen. Not only will he leave our big offer on the table, he'll be leaving big offers from other teams on the table. When you have the opportunity to secure generational wealth, you take it and figure it out later.

I can see a scenario. It's playing out right now....it could be worsened if BW's right and they sign Mikal 1st. Imagine how that plays out in the locker room every night?

It's not though. The amount of money Ayton would have to turn down in order to get on the QO is monumental. Just because they can't agree to an extension this offseason, doesn't mean the next logical step is QO. The next step is competing offers from other teams and our own offer next offseason. Ultimately, we can still offer him more than any other team even IF he took the QO and signed elsewhere. It's going to get done either this season or the next.

There's so so much more that has to go wrong for Ayton to do the one thing no player has ever done and that's take the QO in place of fat extension. I mean, we're all our own people, you can think what we want and you can convince yourself that it's basically happening right now but it really isn't. All I'm saying is that we're not even past the 1st stages yet.

IMO the more logical and realistic worst case scenario is if Ayton is pissed off and asks us not to match competing offers and we do it anyway.

As for Mikal, I think he's asking for less and I expect that to get done too but I don't think it's the end of the world if we couldn't agree to a deal until next off season. Both guys are also pros and I don't believe they have the destructive personality to cause an issue for the team.

[bwoolf2]

I know it's preseason but how does an nba team get down by almost 70, Charlotte, just wow

[RunDogGun]

TMZ is owned by FauxNews now so I dunno how to take this......

Sent from my SM-N960U using RealGM mobile app

I believe TMZ functions as the reputable, legitimate news arm of that organization.

[bwgood77]

This all goes back to a poll from last year on who was the most valuable young player on the Suns ... Bridges or Ayton. It was fairly close in the vote. Still, that is the question to be answered this season. Bridges could be Kwahi. Ayton could be Robinson. Both could be worthy of the max. I don't have a problem maxing both. I don't have a problem with them going into RFA next year either. Just so much hand wringing going on by the fans. Again the Suns hold the cards because both players are RFAs next summer.

Bridges is a little old to make a huge leap which is what he would have to do to be close the kwahi I like bridges but on a team where hevis the 3rd or 4th option and he is older than Book, he is fairly close to what he will be, he doesn't have a high ceiling like say Book or Ayton, his floor also isn't as low as aytons but still lower than Books

Jimmy Butler came into the league pretty old and averaged 13 in his 3rd season and jumped to 20 in his 4th at the age of 25. I don't expect Bridges to have that sort of jump given he can't really be higher than 4th in the scoring pecking order unless CP3 really takes a step back in scoring...which he probably shouldnt given his own ability to take over games.

Butler still can't really hit 3s though.

[bwgood77]

I know it's preseason but how does an nba team get down by almost 70, Charlotte, just wow

If Porzingis gets back to his old form, Dallas will be very dangerous. He could single handedly take over games and be kind of unstoppable at times in his past peak. Him and Luka as as a 1/2 punch with a fairly solid supporting cast will be tough. Of course they were anyway almost taking out the healthy higher seeded Clippers.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) Tweeted:
Suns owner Robert Sarver on @BurnsAndGambo passed on questions about negotiations with Deandre Ayton before saying he believes James Jones is still having conversations with Ayton's agent and Sarver confirmed they want to get something done that works for both sides.

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Suns owner Robert Sarver was tight-lipped about the ongoing negotiations when asked about it on Wednesday. “Well, I can’t blame you for asking, but as you know, we never discuss negotiations or personnel publicly,” Sarver told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo. “It’s just not fair to the players. That wouldn’t be fair to (GM) James (Jones) or the fans, so I’m going to pass on that one.”

However, the owner and center reportedly met at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort on Monday night.

Sarver did say that he wants to eventually get a deal done and believes Jones is in continued discussions with Ayton’s agent.

“If we can get something that works for both sides, we definitely would,” Sarver said.

“As you know, in restricted free agency sometimes that happens and sometimes it doesn’t. Getting a deal done a year early is a little bit more challenging than getting a deal done at the beginning of a season.”

After being drafted No. 1 overall out of Arizona in the 2018 NBA Draft, Ayton can become a restricted free agent at the end of this season.

In restricted free agency, any team could match a non-max offer the Suns give Ayton to acquire the center’s services.

However, the biggest difference in restricted free agency is that the original team the player is on can offer the most money via a max contract.

And with the likes of Luka Doncic, Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr. — who were all selected after Ayton in the same draft class — already receiving max contract extensions with their respective teams, the Suns center has made it known he wants the same financial respect.

But the Suns owner doesn’t believe the uncertainty of the contract situation will hinder Phoenix’s chances of making another deep playoff run.

“I can’t speak for Deandre but I think he made his goals clear at media day in terms of what he wanted to try to accomplish this year and he’s had direct communications with our organization recently,” Sarver said. “He’s all in. I’m not concerned about that.”

Sarver did add that the team would be paying the luxury tax next season.

[Slim Charless]

I can't see a single scenario where Ayton takes the QO. It's just not going to happen. Not only will he leave our big offer on the table, he'll be leaving big offers from other teams on the table. When you have the opportunity to secure generational wealth, you take it and figure it out later.

I can see a scenario. It's playing out right now....it could be worsened if BW's right and they sign Mikal 1st. Imagine how that plays out in the locker room every night?

Thye would each have an offer on the table they could sign, in fact i'd imagine Ayton has a bigger offer on the table than Mikal.

So I don't think one of them signing their offer would make the other jealous - any animosity would be directed to the organisation not the other player

You both make good points and I agree that it's most likely not the same deal on the table for both guys. I'm sure DA's is larger as he had an amazing summer for us. The point I was trying to make is it's still gonna be human nature to feel a certain way if someone from your class and is considered "lesser" than you gets his bag 1st.

This all depends on what Mikal actually signs for, but unless he takes a discount like the one CP3 took I don't see it. Chris had made tons of money b4 he took that deal $arver offered up. Mikal and DA are on their 1st contracts and will-I imagine try and get as much as possible.

If both guys are trying to get the same thing and 1 of them actually gets it, then its only human nature for the other guy to feel at least a little jealous.

[Slim Charless]

Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) Tweeted:
Suns owner Robert Sarver on @BurnsAndGambo passed on questions about negotiations with Deandre Ayton before saying he believes James Jones is still having conversations with Ayton's agent and Sarver confirmed they want to get something done that works for both sides.

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Suns owner Robert Sarver was tight-lipped about the ongoing negotiations when asked about it on Wednesday. “Well, I can’t blame you for asking, but as you know, we never discuss negotiations or personnel publicly,” Sarver told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo. “It’s just not fair to the players. That wouldn’t be fair to (GM) James (Jones) or the fans, so I’m going to pass on that one.”

However, the owner and center reportedly met at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort on Monday night.

Sarver did say that he wants to eventually get a deal done and believes Jones is in continued discussions with Ayton’s agent.

“If we can get something that works for both sides, we definitely would,” Sarver said.

“As you know, in restricted free agency sometimes that happens and sometimes it doesn’t. Getting a deal done a year early is a little bit more challenging than getting a deal done at the beginning of a season.”

After being drafted No. 1 overall out of Arizona in the 2018 NBA Draft, Ayton can become a restricted free agent at the end of this season.

In restricted free agency, any team could match a non-max offer the Suns give Ayton to acquire the center’s services.

However, the biggest difference in restricted free agency is that the original team the player is on can offer the most money via a max contract.

And with the likes of Luka Doncic, Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr. — who were all selected after Ayton in the same draft class — already receiving max contract extensions with their respective teams, the Suns center has made it known he wants the same financial respect.

But the Suns owner doesn’t believe the uncertainty of the contract situation will hinder Phoenix’s chances of making another deep playoff run.

“I can’t speak for Deandre but I think he made his goals clear at media day in terms of what he wanted to try to accomplish this year and he’s had direct communications with our organization recently,” Sarver said. “He’s all in. I’m not concerned about that.”

Sarver did add that the team would be paying the luxury tax next season.

“If we can get something that works for both sides, we definitely would,” Sarver said.

Translation: "Hey man, why don't you sign this contract for 5/100? That's fair."

I can picture Bobby $ saying something similar while smiling some oily snake-like grin. He's a POS till proven otherwise.

Edit: Actually Sarver wouldn’t say "man" he'd try and talk like he thinks guys like Ayton talk. I picture him saying "home dog" or something he heard in a 90s rap album. Do we know if he's still wearing that chain?

[lilfishi22]

Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) Tweeted:
Suns owner Robert Sarver on @BurnsAndGambo passed on questions about negotiations with Deandre Ayton before saying he believes James Jones is still having conversations with Ayton's agent and Sarver confirmed they want to get something done that works for both sides.

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Suns owner Robert Sarver was tight-lipped about the ongoing negotiations when asked about it on Wednesday. “Well, I can’t blame you for asking, but as you know, we never discuss negotiations or personnel publicly,” Sarver told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo. “It’s just not fair to the players. That wouldn’t be fair to (GM) James (Jones) or the fans, so I’m going to pass on that one.”

However, the owner and center reportedly met at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort on Monday night.

Sarver did say that he wants to eventually get a deal done and believes Jones is in continued discussions with Ayton’s agent.

“If we can get something that works for both sides, we definitely would,” Sarver said.

“As you know, in restricted free agency sometimes that happens and sometimes it doesn’t. Getting a deal done a year early is a little bit more challenging than getting a deal done at the beginning of a season.”

After being drafted No. 1 overall out of Arizona in the 2018 NBA Draft, Ayton can become a restricted free agent at the end of this season.

In restricted free agency, any team could match a non-max offer the Suns give Ayton to acquire the center’s services.

However, the biggest difference in restricted free agency is that the original team the player is on can offer the most money via a max contract.

And with the likes of Luka Doncic, Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr. — who were all selected after Ayton in the same draft class — already receiving max contract extensions with their respective teams, the Suns center has made it known he wants the same financial respect.

But the Suns owner doesn’t believe the uncertainty of the contract situation will hinder Phoenix’s chances of making another deep playoff run.

“I can’t speak for Deandre but I think he made his goals clear at media day in terms of what he wanted to try to accomplish this year and he’s had direct communications with our organization recently,” Sarver said. “He’s all in. I’m not concerned about that.”

Sarver did add that the team would be paying the luxury tax next season.

“If we can get something that works for both sides, we definitely would,” Sarver said.

Translation: "Hey man, why don't you sign this contract for 5/100? That's fair."

I can picture Bobby $ saying something similar while smiling some oily snake-like grin. He's a POS till proven otherwise.

Edit: Actually Sarver wouldn’t say "man" he'd try and talk like he thinks guys like Ayton talk. I picture him saying "home dog" or something he heard in a 90s rap album. Do we know if he's still wearing that chain?

For some dumb childish reason, when I saw Sarver wearing Ayton's chain, I thought a max extension was essentially in the bag

[Slim Charless]

Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) Tweeted:
Suns owner Robert Sarver on @BurnsAndGambo passed on questions about negotiations with Deandre Ayton before saying he believes James Jones is still having conversations with Ayton's agent and Sarver confirmed they want to get something done that works for both sides.

Read on Twitter

?s=20

“If we can get something that works for both sides, we definitely would,” Sarver said.

Translation: "Hey man, why don't you sign this contract for 5/100? That's fair."

I can picture Bobby $ saying something similar while smiling some oily snake-like grin. He's a POS till proven otherwise.

Edit: Actually Sarver wouldn’t say "man" he'd try and talk like he thinks guys like Ayton talk. I picture him saying "home dog" or something he heard in a 90s rap album. Do we know if he's still wearing that chain?

For some dumb childish reason, when I saw Sarver wearing Ayton's chain, I thought a max extension was essentially in the bag

We have the most cringe worthy owner in sports. That photo was ridiculous. At least he's not putting farm animals into the stadium or clucking at the opposing coaches anymore. Baby steps.

[Ghost of Kleine]

“If we can get something that works for both sides, we definitely would,” Sarver said.

Translation: "Hey man, why don't you sign this contract for 5/100? That's fair."

I can picture Bobby $ saying something similar while smiling some oily snake-like grin. He's a POS till proven otherwise.

Edit: Actually Sarver wouldn’t say "man" he'd try and talk like he thinks guys like Ayton talk. I picture him saying "home dog" or something he heard in a 90s rap album. Do we know if he's still wearing that chain?

For some dumb childish reason, when I saw Sarver wearing Ayton's chain, I thought a max extension was essentially in the bag

We have the most cringe worthy owner in sports. That photo was ridiculous. At least he's not putting farm animals into the stadium or clucking at the opposing coaches anymore. Baby steps.

That comment on "IF they can get something that works for both sides " is what really stands out to me as well. Knowing what we know of Saver and his nature, and how he treated Joe Johnson, Amare, and Raja Bell, I fully expect him to try and force him to accept a lowball offer with the threat of leverage through restricted free agency control.

I'm not even really sure it's entirely about him being cheap as much as it may be his arrogance and need to have control over people to feed his ego!
Again after reflecting on how he interacted with Amare and Bell.


Honestly, This is a good indicator of his true nature in negotiations with his ego/ control issues too!!
Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) Tweeted:
He also did this to Raja Bell. https://t.co/****

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To me personally, The patterns of undervaluing Amare and Ayton seem eerily similar. The way he's treating Ayton, He basically saying that he's not that valuable to the team to give him what he's seeking. Regardless of his improvements and being an integral piece to our recent success. He probably still has the same mentality that he showed Amare in that he thinks what Ayton brings could be easily replaced for less. Does anyone else see the parallels here?

Also, I could totally see Ayton following in Amar'es' footsteps and going to a bigger market, Wherein he'd know that he'd make up the salary difference in endorsement deals easily! Anyone who honestly thinks that Ayton wouldn't take the qualifying offer ( IF he feels truly unappreciated/ disrespected) knowing he can very likely make that difference back in endorsement deals, over time etc. are sadly fooling themselves. Saver better tread carefully and operate absent of his delusional arrogance. Otherwise we risk quickly returning to mediocrity!

[lilfishi22]

I just don't think Sarver recognises basketball value. I think he'd happily pay someone like Luka or Trae because they are super marketable (and they are really good) ie he could recoup the money he's spent on their salary in merch sales. I don't think he sees the same marketability with Ayton so he doesn't see the need to pay him like a marketable superstar.

In his mind, complementary pieces don't need to be paid star money. He forked out the max for Booker fairly quickly because he was/is a star even though he hadn't proven it yet. He's the most marketable and best player so it was a no-brainer for Sarver. I don't think Sarver recognises the importance of Ayton, all he sees in Ayton is a complementary piece to Booker so he doesn't need to pay him the big bucks. If a deal gets done, it's because Sarver is convinced the money train goes away if Ayton forces his way out not because Ayton is super valuable to the Suns.

[bwgood77]

I've maintained for the entire time that our cheap ass owner won't be forking over for both of them. Ppl here keep telling me that Sarver has learned his lesson and he's changed. Leopards don't change their spots. 1 of Mikal and DA won't be a Sun this time next yr.

He's trading 1 of our young core for cheapness and giving the other (grudgingly) a contract. Just a matter of who gets what.

Yes, you have repeated this a lot that they will trade Bridges for a rookie or draft pick. I'll still be surprised if that happens.

I said lotto pick. Top 5-8 most like. There's a difference. Sarver may be a cheap, arrogant **** but he has good basketball people around who won't let him do something that reckless.

If I had to guess they ship him off to some Detroit or some other perennial loser (ironically which is what we were till we drafted DA and Mikal which allowed us to get CP3 ).

That crappy team signs Mikal to a max deal and we select some dude who may or may not be good. I'd guess in this scenario we also resign Cam so he takes Mikal's spot at the 3.

I don't think that's possible anymore unless you mean this season to a team that you expect to have a pick, but a team in the lotto wouldn't do it unprotected. Next summer since he's a RFA he can't be traded unless it's a S&T and that would be after the draft. But a team would have to absorb a lot of salary or ship quite a bit out to us.

I think they like Bridges and will keep him.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I know that it's already been mentioned about Aytons' meeting with Saver from TMZ, But I wasn't sure if this had yet been reported with pictures and implied context?

https://www.tmz.com/2021/10/13/deandre-ayton-robert-sarver-phoenix-suns-contract-talks-meeting-nba/
TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) Tweeted:
DeAndre Ayton Meets W/ Suns Owner At Fancy AZ Resort Amid Contract Feud
https://t.co/T17B5gkhi5

Read on Twitter

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DeAndre Ayton and Suns owner Robert Sarver have met this week amid an ugly contract feud -- grabbing a drink together at a fancy spot in Arizona ... TMZ Sports has learned. We've obtained photos of the two at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort on Monday ... and witnesses tell us the guys appeared to be in talks over a new deal for Ayton.

One witness says Ayton was comparing his game and his athleticism to another player during the conversation with Sarver ... adding that the talks seemed to be "all business."

If you're not familiar, Ayton -- the #1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft -- is seeking a new contract in Phoenix ... but has been upset over how the offers have been so far.

In fact, Ayton said Tuesday -- less than a day after the meeting with Sarver at the resort -- the entire situation has been "disappointing" ... particularly after seeing other players around the league, including Nuggets wing Michael Porter Jr., get flashy new deals.

I love Phoenix, but I'm really disappointed we haven't really gotten a deal done yet," Ayton told reporters. "We were two wins away from winning a championship and I just really want to be respected, to be honest."

"To be respected like my peers are being respected by their teams."

A witness tells us Ayton showed up at the resort before Sarver ... and seemed perturbed, looking stoic and glancing at his phone often.



No word yet on if Monday's meeting ultimately moved things in the right direction for both parties ... but the sides have until Oct. 18 to complete Ayton's rookie extension deal.

[Revived]

I know that it's already been mentioned about Aytons' meeting with Saver from TMZ, But I wasn't sure if this had yet been reported with pictures and implied context?

https://www.tmz.com/2021/10/13/deandre-ayton-robert-sarver-phoenix-suns-contract-talks-meeting-nba/
TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) Tweeted:
DeAndre Ayton Meets W/ Suns Owner At Fancy AZ Resort Amid Contract Feud
https://t.co/T17B5gkhi5

Read on Twitter

?s=20

DeAndre Ayton and Suns owner Robert Sarver have met this week amid an ugly contract feud -- grabbing a drink together at a fancy spot in Arizona ... TMZ Sports has learned. We've obtained photos of the two at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort on Monday ... and witnesses tell us the guys appeared to be in talks over a new deal for Ayton.

One witness says Ayton was comparing his game and his athleticism to another player during the conversation with Sarver ... adding that the talks seemed to be "all business."

If you're not familiar, Ayton -- the #1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft -- is seeking a new contract in Phoenix ... but has been upset over how the offers have been so far.

In fact, Ayton said Tuesday -- less than a day after the meeting with Sarver at the resort -- the entire situation has been "disappointing" ... particularly after seeing other players around the league, including Nuggets wing Michael Porter Jr., get flashy new deals.

I love Phoenix, but I'm really disappointed we haven't really gotten a deal done yet," Ayton told reporters. "We were two wins away from winning a championship and I just really want to be respected, to be honest."

"To be respected like my peers are being respected by their teams."

A witness tells us Ayton showed up at the resort before Sarver ... and seemed perturbed, looking stoic and glancing at his phone often.



No word yet on if Monday's meeting ultimately moved things in the right direction for both parties ... but the sides have until Oct. 18 to complete Ayton's rookie extension deal.

Hopefully this conversation didn’t go “I have guys that can replace you tomorrow”.