Suns, Deandre Ayton apart on maximum contract extension, talks stall

The Phoenix Suns are hesitant to offer Deandre Ayton a full maximum rookie extension, stalling dicussions between the two heading into the season.

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN

ANALYSIS: Deandre Ayton played a key role in the Suns' finals run last season, averaging 15.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 66% from the field in the postseason.

Ayton had a breakout season last year playing alongside Chris Paul, though the NBA is generally moving away from non-shooting big men.

Suns Governor Robert Sarver also elected to trade rather than pay Joe Johnson in 2005 and has not paid the luxury tax since 2010.