Suns match Pacers’ offer for Ayton, keeping nucleus intact
PHOENIX (AP) — Deandre Ayton finally has his new deal from the Phoenix Suns, who simply weren’t willing to let him get away for nothing.
A person with knowledge of the situation said the Suns quickly decided to match a $133 million, four-year offer sheet that Ayton agreed to Thursday with the Indiana Pacers. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Suns had not publicly announced the decision.
The Athletic first reported Phoenix matching the offer. ESPN first reported that Ayton had agreed with the Pacers.
The move means the Suns — at least for now — keep their nucleus of Ayton and the All-Star backcourt of Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The trio pushed Phoenix to the NBA Finals in 2021 and a franchise-record 64 wins during the most recent regular season.
The No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, Ayton was eligible to get an extension from Phoenix last summer.
That didn’t happen, and he became a restricted free agent this summer — meaning Phoenix had the chance to match any offers. Once Indiana made its move, the Suns countered quickly.
Phoenix has been linked to interest in acquiring Brooklyn star Kevin Durant during the offseason, but Ayton can’t be used as trade bait because of the new deal.
The Suns’ move is a blow to the Pacers, who were hoping to add Ayton as a pivotal piece in a promising young core that includes 22-year-old point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was acquired in a February trade with Sacramento.
Ayton — who turns 24 later this month — had a shaky start to his career but became a critical component in the Suns’ run to the Finals. He’s part of the 2018 draft class that includes Dallas’ Luka Doncic and Atlanta’s Trae Young. The two guards have had more individual success, but neither has made it as far in the playoffs.
The athletic 6-foot-11 Ayton is powerful in the low post and has developed a strong mid-range game. He averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last season while shooting 63.4% from the field and 36.8% on 3-pointers.
Much of the criticism about Ayton has been about his maturity. He was suspended 25 games without pay by the NBA in 2019 for violating the league’s Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for a diuretic. He was also benched for part of Game 7 of the team’s second-round loss to Dallas this year after appearing to exchange words with coach Monty Williams.
Still, he is generally popular with his teammates. Booker and Paul often praised Ayton, who did a lot of the little things to help the team win.
Even without Ayton, Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard may not be done wheeling-and-dealing. Indiana has three potential first-round picks in next year’s draft and enough players and assets to help other teams looking for a salary-cap dump.
The Pacers announced Thursday that they waived four players — Duane Washington Jr., Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts, and Juwan Morgan. They were part of Indiana’s trade that sent guard Malcolm Brogdon to Boston, clearing enough cap space to make the pursuit of Ayton or other players realistic.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
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John MinchilloA one-and-done star with athleticism and length that makes him a legitimate NBA wing. Might be most ready to contribute among top draft picks.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
In one season with the Bulldogs this lanky big man was a two-way standout with scoring touch and shot-blocking ability. Needs to bulk up.
John MinchilloIn one season with the Bulldogs this lanky big man was a two-way standout with scoring touch and shot-blocking ability. Needs to bulk up.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
The one-and-done Tigers star is top scorer who has the all-around skills to become a two-way star with improved defense.
John MinchilloThe one-and-done Tigers star is top scorer who has the all-around skills to become a two-way star with improved defense.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
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John MinchilloA skilled forward with above average athleticism and basketball IQ. Another prototypical wing capable of guarding multiple positions.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
An extremely athletic lead guard after two college seasons who has an explosive first step and can create his own shot. Needs to improve on defense.
John MinchilloAn extremely athletic lead guard after two college seasons who has an explosive first step and can create his own shot. Needs to improve on defense.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Considered one of the best catch-and-shoot wings in the draft, he could be a contributor in the more wide-open NBA.
John MinchilloConsidered one of the best catch-and-shoot wings in the draft, he could be a contributor in the more wide-open NBA.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A Canadian with athleticism and two-way skills who can score in a variety of ways. He did not play for the Wildcats last season.
John MinchilloA Canadian with athleticism and two-way skills who can score in a variety of ways. He did not play for the Wildcats last season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
This Australian playmaker has above-average court vision and has shown the ability to become a lockdown defender.
John MinchilloThis Australian playmaker has above-average court vision and has shown the ability to become a lockdown defender.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Considered one of the best defenders available, he could fit in well in the NBA’s position-less game. Good rebounder and slasher too.
John MinchilloConsidered one of the best defenders available, he could fit in well in the NBA’s position-less game. Good rebounder and slasher too.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
After two years with the Badgers, he’s shown the ability to score in the lane and from mid-range. Has shown capacity to be elite defender.
John MinchilloAfter two years with the Badgers, he’s shown the ability to score in the lane and from mid-range. Has shown capacity to be elite defender.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A scorer with great length who can make plays, he had an outstanding junior season for the Broncos. Needs to improve defense and rebounding.
John MinchilloA scorer with great length who can make plays, he had an outstanding junior season for the Broncos. Needs to improve defense and rebounding.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
One of the youngest players in the draft, he’s a physically gifted big man who can score inside and has the potential to defend inside and out. (His draft rights reportedly traded to Detroit.)
John MinchilloOne of the youngest players in the draft, he’s a physically gifted big man who can score inside and has the potential to defend inside and out. (His draft rights reportedly traded to Detroit.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Athletic 3-and-D wing, he played 122 games for the Jayhawks and knocked down 39.7% of his threes last season.
John MinchilloAthletic 3-and-D wing, he played 122 games for the Jayhawks and knocked down 39.7% of his threes last season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Showed big upside during his sophomore season with his physicality and wingspan around the rim on both ends of the court.
John MinchilloShowed big upside during his sophomore season with his physicality and wingspan around the rim on both ends of the court.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
This two-way wing, who turns 19 in August, is considered one of the top scorers in the draft with solid moves and a mid-range game.
John MinchilloThis two-way wing, who turns 19 in August, is considered one of the top scorers in the draft with solid moves and a mid-range game.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Another prototypical wing who is long, athletic and capable of defending on the perimeter. Shot better than 50% in two seasons at LSU.
John MinchilloAnother prototypical wing who is long, athletic and capable of defending on the perimeter. Shot better than 50% in two seasons at LSU.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersRick Scuteri
A two-way player who was a low-volume shooter for the Wildcats, he has plenty of upside with his size and all-around game.
Rick ScuteriA two-way player who was a low-volume shooter for the Wildcats, he has plenty of upside with his size and all-around game.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
This versatile, wide-bodied forward had a solid junior season after transferring from Indiana State. Can score in a variety of ways. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
John MinchilloThis versatile, wide-bodied forward had a solid junior season after transferring from Indiana State. Can score in a variety of ways. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Another one-and-done wing who lacks elite athleticism but can score in a variety of ways. Shot 41.6% from deep, taking 2.8 threes per game.
John MinchilloAnother one-and-done wing who lacks elite athleticism but can score in a variety of ways. Shot 41.6% from deep, taking 2.8 threes per game.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A skilled wing who shot 39% from deep last season, he’s a team player who brings energy on both ends of the court.
John MinchilloA skilled wing who shot 39% from deep last season, he’s a team player who brings energy on both ends of the court.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Played 29 games as a freshman reserve at UNC before starting 34 for the Tigers. Has a well-rounded offensive game and can defend. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Minnesota.)
John MinchilloPlayed 29 games as a freshman reserve at UNC before starting 34 for the Tigers. Has a well-rounded offensive game and can defend. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Minnesota.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersMichael Conroy
At 250 pounds, he plays bigger than his size and had a big junior season averaging 19.1 points while shooting 43.1% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
Michael ConroyAt 250 pounds, he plays bigger than his size and had a big junior season averaging 19.1 points while shooting 43.1% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
An athletic and skilled wing, he spent one season playing JC ball before joining the Ignite. Has all the tools to be a solid two-way player.
John MinchilloAn athletic and skilled wing, he spent one season playing JC ball before joining the Ignite. Has all the tools to be a solid two-way player.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
This one-and-done scorer could be a combo guard in the NBA, an exceptional athlete with a mid-range game and the ability to score in the lane.
John MinchilloThis one-and-done scorer could be a combo guard in the NBA, an exceptional athlete with a mid-range game and the ability to score in the lane.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDavid J. Phillip
An excellent defender who averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 assists as a junior, when he sank 41% of his three-pointers.
David J. PhillipAn excellent defender who averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 assists as a junior, when he sank 41% of his three-pointers.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A talented, offensive-minded wing who is a scorer and playmaker. Not an explosive athlete but does move well for his size.
John MinchilloA talented, offensive-minded wing who is a scorer and playmaker. Not an explosive athlete but does move well for his size.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersAlan Youngblood
An ankle injury led to him only playing 11 games for his father’s team, but he has plenty of upside and U19 national team experience.
Alan YoungbloodAn ankle injury led to him only playing 11 games for his father’s team, but he has plenty of upside and U19 national team experience.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
An athletic floor leader who can score and create. Good wingspan helps make him a solid defender and rebounder for his size.
John MinchilloAn athletic floor leader who can score and create. Good wingspan helps make him a solid defender and rebounder for his size.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
The Bruins reserve wing only averaged 12.9 minutes but has big upside with his athleticism, explosive first step and leaping ability.
Second Round:
John MinchilloThe Bruins reserve wing only averaged 12.9 minutes but has big upside with his athleticism, explosive first step and leaping ability.
Second Round:
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersCraig Mitchelldyer
A true floor general from Canada who has the size and experience to be a two-way player in the NBA after 131 games at Florida and Gonzaga.
Craig MitchelldyerA true floor general from Canada who has the size and experience to be a two-way player in the NBA after 131 games at Florida and Gonzaga.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJay LaPrete
This one-and-done wing is a solid scorer and playmaker, shooting 35.5% from deep while averaging 10.1 points in 34 starts.
Jay LaPreteThis one-and-done wing is a solid scorer and playmaker, shooting 35.5% from deep while averaging 10.1 points in 34 starts.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDavid J. Phillip
After a breakout junior season with the Wildcats, this Cameroon native has the ability to be a rim protector and lob threat in the NBA.
David J. PhillipAfter a breakout junior season with the Wildcats, this Cameroon native has the ability to be a rim protector and lob threat in the NBA.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersMarcio Jose Sanchez
A big man with good all-around skills and basketball IQ who is made for the NBA game. An above-average defender as well.
Marcio Jose SanchezA big man with good all-around skills and basketball IQ who is made for the NBA game. An above-average defender as well.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDarron Cummings
A lanky and crafty player, he’s a natural scorer who can get into the lane with ease. Only shot 38% from the field in his lone college season.
Darron CummingsA lanky and crafty player, he’s a natural scorer who can get into the lane with ease. Only shot 38% from the field in his lone college season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersTed S. Warren
A combo guard with athleticism who has the ability to score off the dribble, from mid-range and deep. Plays out of control at times.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersChris O'Meara
A one-and-done, hard-nosed floor general who can also score, averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 38.3% on threes.
Chris O'MearaA one-and-done, hard-nosed floor general who can also score, averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 38.3% on threes.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersRebecca S. Gratz
A natural scorer with plenty of athleticism and upside. Averaged 16.8 points, shooting 80.3% on free throws but only 27.4% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
Rebecca S. GratzA natural scorer with plenty of athleticism and upside. Averaged 16.8 points, shooting 80.3% on free throws but only 27.4% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersGene J. Puskar
He’s a low-post presence with the ability to score from mid-range. Had an outstanding junior season as a rebounder, defender and shot-blocker.
Gene J. PuskarHe’s a low-post presence with the ability to score from mid-range. Had an outstanding junior season as a rebounder, defender and shot-blocker.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersMarcio Jose Sanchez
A one-and-done lead guard who has size and athleticism. He started 26 of 36 games for the Blue Devils, averaging 11.5 points.
Marcio Jose SanchezA one-and-done lead guard who has size and athleticism. He started 26 of 36 games for the Blue Devils, averaging 11.5 points.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDavid J. Phillip
This one-and-done, lanky forward from France is a solid two-way player who averaged 9.0 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Wolverines.
David J. PhillipThis one-and-done, lanky forward from France is a solid two-way player who averaged 9.0 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Wolverines.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersPaul Sancya
Has the skills to be a combo guard in the NBA after two college seasons, when he showed he could score in a variety of ways. A 50/40/90 shooter.
Paul SancyaHas the skills to be a combo guard in the NBA after two college seasons, when he showed he could score in a variety of ways. A 50/40/90 shooter.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersSean Meagher
A smooth one-and-done wing with leaping ability who only shot 14.3% from deep (2 of 14). Needs to improve range and defense.
Sean MeagherA smooth one-and-done wing with leaping ability who only shot 14.3% from deep (2 of 14). Needs to improve range and defense.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersTrent Sprague
A skilled wing who can score in a variety of ways. Could develop into a prototypical 3-and-D players.
Trent SpragueA skilled wing who can score in a variety of ways. Could develop into a prototypical 3-and-D players.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersTony Gutierrez
An explosive athlete and two-way standout, he has the ability to score in a variety of ways, just not from deep. Outstanding defender.
Tony GutierrezAn explosive athlete and two-way standout, he has the ability to score in a variety of ways, just not from deep. Outstanding defender.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersBrynn Anderson
The former Trojans star has a solid all-around game that could translate to a stretch 4, but lacks elite athleticism.
Brynn AndersonThe former Trojans star has a solid all-around game that could translate to a stretch 4, but lacks elite athleticism.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersFrank Franklin II
The Rhode Island transfer showed 3-and-D potential with the Huskies, averaging 13.6 points while shooting 43.1% from deep last season.
Frank Franklin IIThe Rhode Island transfer showed 3-and-D potential with the Huskies, averaging 13.6 points while shooting 43.1% from deep last season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDenis Poroy
The one-and-done combo guard made only six starts. He’s a big-time athlete with plenty of offensive moves. Lacks shooting depth.
Denis PoroyThe one-and-done combo guard made only six starts. He’s a big-time athlete with plenty of offensive moves. Lacks shooting depth.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersRick Bowmer
A potential combo forward, this Inglewood native is considered a tweener but is a proficient scorer and rebounder.
Rick BowmerA potential combo forward, this Inglewood native is considered a tweener but is a proficient scorer and rebounder.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersCharles Rex Arbogast
A hard-nosed two-way player from France who averaged 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in Australia’s NBL.
Charles Rex ArbogastA hard-nosed two-way player from France who averaged 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in Australia’s NBL.
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Suns match Pacers’ offer for Ayton, keeping nucleus intactDavid Zalubowski
FILE - Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game on March 24, 2022, in Denver. The Indiana Pacers have signed restricted free agent Deandre Ayton to a four-year, $133 million offer sheet Thursday, July 14, 2022. Phoenix now has two days to match the offer — or lose the center it selected with the top overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
David ZalubowskiFILE - Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game on March 24, 2022, in Denver. The Indiana Pacers have signed restricted free agent Deandre Ayton to a four-year, $133 million offer sheet Thursday, July 14, 2022. Phoenix now has two days to match the offer — or lose the center it selected with the top overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
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