The Phoenix Suns have made some headlines recently as the team is in contract negotiations with Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges. Unfortunately, they are making headlines for the wrong reasons when it comes to the contract talks with their NBA stars.
Both Ayton and Bridges have seen their negotiations stall in recent days. Phoenix is hesitant to hand Ayton a max extension like his fellow draft mates Luka Doncic, Trae Turner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Michael Porter Jr.
As for Bridges, they are just not there yet on contract talks. But, Adrian Wojnarowski believes were Bridges to hit restricted free agency, he would land a deal that pays him $20 million annually.
The Suns will have until the eve of the regular season, October 18th, to hammer out extensions with Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges. Both are integral parts to the Suns’ success as two very good young players.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Why Contract Talks For Suns’ Deandre Ayton Have Stalled
While those contract talks are garnering some headlines, it is not causing them to lose focus on what the ultimate goal is, which is to win an NBA Championship.
“All I want to do is win a championship. All I want to do is represent the city. Phoenix is where I’m at. Honestly, I’m expecting something to get done so we as a team can finish what we started, which is to bring a championship to Phoenix. Period. Literally.”
The Suns were very close to winning the 2021 NBA Finals. They lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games after starting the series with a 2-0 lead. The Suns are hopeful that they can put together another strong season like that, but get over the hump and complete the job this time around.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Why Contract Talks For Suns’ Deandre Ayton Have Stalled
That is the right mindset to have about the contract extensions. Let the agents and front office people worry about that, while the players focus on winning games on the court.
Everything will play out eventually, as there is still some time to get deals done. The Phoenix Suns know they are better with Ayton and Bridges in the fold than without them. It would be too risky to allow them to reach restricted free agency next summer, so expect deals to get hammered out in the coming days.
