Ayton, Suns Both Winners in Matched Offer Sheet

Both parties got what they were looking for.

When the Phoenix Suns matched the Indiana Pacers' offer sheet for center Deandre Ayton, a few things happened. 

The deal (four years, $133 million) meant Ayton would have to be on the roster at least until Jan. 15 of next year. Ayton would also have right of refusal to a trade for a year, and can't be acquired by the Pacers within a year's time as well. 

Ayton's short tenure in Phoenix has been nothing short of fascinating, arriving as the franchise's first No. 1 pick back in 2018 and helping the Suns reach new heights in his four seasons in the Valley. 

His time with the team hasn't been without controversy, however. Suns fans have big expectations out of the freak of nature Ayton has flashed, and some wish he'd simply play with more aggression and heart. 

That's leaving out outside stuff such as the self-inflicted wound of late night video game sessions, but when you factor in reports of the Suns trying to work out a trade for him at last year's deadline and his Game 7 spat with coach Monty Williams, there's reasons why some have their doubts on Ayton.

That's respectable, and time will tell on whether or not Ayton can maximize the talent everybody saw in his college days at Arizona. 

Yet the Suns have Ayton locked down for a second contract, which is something nobody would have believed at this point in the offseason. There was plenty of noise about a sign-and-trade given Phoenix's previous track record with Ayton, but at the end of the day, Ayton will begin the 2022-23 season in a Suns uniform.

That's a win-win for both sides. 

Phoenix Saved Money on Restricted Market

When the Suns were trying to negotiate a new deal with Ayton, the largest (reported) roadblock between the two sides was the amount of years on the deal. Ayton's camp wanted five years (more money, longer security) and the Suns were keen on four years or less. 

There were also reports that the Suns didn't try to negotiate a deal with Ayton at the beginning of free agency, which is plausible when you consider his status as a restricted free agent. 

The Suns were betting on two things happening: Ayton's market cooling off, and a team offering a contract less than the maximum price tag they'd have to pay. 

We read about the many potential suitors Ayton would have as soon as the market opened, as his agent Bill Duffy insisted there would be a plethora of teams swooning over the prospect of Ayton patrolling the paint for years to come.

However, the tsunami of potential teams that were supposed to be fighting for his signature turned out to be a splash pad of a handful of teams. The Pistons cleared cap space but opted for other moves, and the Spurs are destined to go full rebuild with their cap situation. 

The Pacers were interested from the jump, and ultimately landed Ayton's signature on an offer sheet. 

The Suns instantly matched.

Phoenix was able to offer Ayton a five-year deal worth up to $177 million, but why spend more money when you can just match a lesser contract? Financially speaking, it made sense for the Suns to play the slow game and simply match whatever offer sheet was sent their way. 

General manager James Jones reportedly held trade talks with Indiana prior to matching the offer sheet, so the jury is still out on if the Suns were truly only intent on getting Ayton back on the roster. 

If needed, Phoenix can still move Ayton in the future. Immediately won't be able to happen based on his ability to veto a deal, but if he truly doesn't want to be with the squad, then that shouldn't be an issue. 

However, the Suns ultimately retained one of their best players on similar conditions to the one they wanted to extend last season. You can count that as a win.

Deandre Ayton Gets Paid

As far as Ayton goes, there's not a ton of analysis needed to see why he walks away as a winner.

The ultimate desire for any player is to secure that big contract and take care of everybody around you for life. 

As any player should (especially a top draft pick on a successful team), Ayton has been in search of a max contract and fought to get every penny he believed he earned. 

To his credit, Phoenix would not have gotten as far as they have without his presence. Some fans will argue to that point, but his insane offensive efficiency and athleticism has afforded the Suns with some considerably strong play. 

Ayton was ultimately rewarded with the largest offer sheet in NBA history, and was surely going to get his money one way or another in a league that can afford to grossly overpay any player. 

According to Spotrac, Ayton already has earned nearly $40 million in his career. His new fully-guaranteed deal will see more than triple that in the same amount of time. 

Ayton laughs to the bank, and is able to remain in the Valley with a competitive team. 

Funny money + familiarity = A win for any player. 

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