“Suns Will Be Poverty Again”: NBA Fans Unload as Devin Booker Likely to Lose Star Teammate After Playoffs Exit
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Deandre Ayton might be leaving the desert this summer after the Suns’ front office showed reluctance to match a max offer, reports suggest. The 6’11” center can become a restricted free agent this offseason.
The Suns’ roster is projected to undergo significant changes after Devin Booker and the Suns suffered an embarrassing game 7 blowout against the Dallas Mavericks at home. The mortifying end to the season after last year’s disappointing finals loss is bound to warrant some core changes in the team.
Several potential landing spots for Deandre Ayton:
◽ Pistons
◽ Trail Blazers
◽ Spurs@johnhollinger and @JLEdwardsIII discuss the fit in Detroit: https://t.co/mzLOlrLZ8F pic.twitter.com/Yg1qAynEBT— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) June 6, 2022
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The Suns had the best record in the NBA this season with a whopping eight-game difference from the second-best team on the table. Therefore, they were the favorites to beat a comparatively inexperienced Dallas team. But after the huge debacle at Footprint Center a couple of weeks ago, Devin Booker and the Suns surely require some deep introspection about the team’s future.
NBA fans react to Devin Booker likely to lose Suns teammate
The Phoenix Suns are reluctant to offer Deandre Ayton, or any other center for that matter, a $170 million max deal. Therefore, the 23-year-old star might consider other options this offseason.
Moreover, Monty Williams’ statement after game 7 against Dallas has also fueled speculations. Williams kept Ayton on the bench for the entirety of the fourth quarter. “The DeAndre situation is something we’ll deal this summer“, he said after the match.
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Meanwhile, the possibility of Devin Booker losing Ayton has attracted the attention of fans amid the NBA finals. Here are some of the best reactions.
Which means Suns will be poverty again soon.
Where do y’all think he goes?
— ً (@HardenFinalsMVP) June 6, 2022
Have the suns won something with him that make them not poverty?
— Mike🦅🇺🇦 (@MikeR2321) June 6, 2022
Taking him over Luka and TY and then not even keeping him is insanity..
— 🚶🏾♂️🪣 (@johnnyinthecut_) June 6, 2022
Mavs need a defender who can get you 15 and 10 consistently. This could be a match made in heaven for the guy.
— PWW (@PartyWithWolves) June 6, 2022
With luka he’d be averaging 20+ a game
— Adrian (@AdrianGeoLopez) June 6, 2022
Well the coach benched him the entire 2nd half of a game 7, he clearly isn’t wanted why would he stay
— King (@ALLF0RONE) June 6, 2022
This is what happened when you overpay for a old washed 37 yr old PG Chris Paul
— Took 3 💍 from your King 👑 (@DubMnE) June 6, 2022
Joels future backup 🔥🔥
— Cory Wyatt (@insidercory) June 6, 2022
Suns are correct to not want to give him a max. A sign and trade for anything of valuable would be a win for Phoenix
— Eye4Impact (@Eye4Impact_NBA) June 6, 2022
Future Charlotte hornet. Next on undisputed.
— Skip Bayless Burner (@famousbucket) June 6, 2022
Smart move, dude is no where near a max contract
— rikio (@erikhernandezz8) June 6, 2022
Booker and the Suns’ future without Ayton
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The Phoenix Suns picked Ayton as the number 1 pick in the 2018 draft, ahead of Luka Doncic. In hindsight, that might not have been the best decision. Because Ayton has averaged 16.6 points and 10.7 rebounds in his playoff career. On the other hand, Doncic has been single-handedly torching the best teams in the league for the last four years.
Therefore, the Suns probably won’t be too sad to let Ayton go. Meanwhile, Booker’s $158.3 million 5-year deal expires in 2024. Therefore, Phoenix would be hunting for a reliable second option for the 25-year-old guard, to keep him in town.
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At 37, Chris Paul is not a good long-term solution. Besides, the ‘Point-God’ has failed in delivering in crucial elimination games. Therefore, Phoenix would be looking for a reliable star who can show up in clutch situations.
Edited by:
Ankit Sharma