Phoenix Suns Would Not Be Able to Recovering From Letting Deandre Ayton Walk Free
It’s as simple as the heading. The choice was either to match the offer and keep a high-level starting center, or lose him for nothing. Due to the nature of the offer, a sign-and-trade with Indiana was off the table, leaving one realistic option.
Locking up this deal was the most important matter at hand (sorry, KD). The Suns let Joe Johnson walk in 2005 and owner Robert Sarver regrets that to this day.
He could not afford to make that mistake again, especially with a talent like Ayton and with the team in title contention again. Ultimately, this was the right move.