The 2018 draft can become a big year, after all, this year has produced superstars such as Doncic and Trae Young, who debuted at the peak, and there are also potential new stars such as Jalen Jr., Porter Jr., and Bridges, and Ayton is naturally not to be underestimated. However, we will find that most of these new stars have been contracted early, but Ayton is still empty-handed. In last year's offseason, we thought that the Suns management would offer a big contract in advance, but it was revealed that the team management believed that Ayton was not indispensable, and did not renew Ayton's contract early on this reason.
In other words, Ayton must prove that he also has a strong ability to develop his own offense without Paul and Booker, otherwise he will not be able to convince the team to pay himself a maximum salary. Even though last season's playoffs shined, the first round was able to limit Davis' play, the semi-finals were not left behind with MVP Jokic of that season, and the second game of the Western Conference Finals also gave a magical dunk of 0.9 empty picks, but all this is considered to be the result of the blessing of Paul and Booker.
Perhaps Ayton himself is aware of this problem, so in addition to practicing the basics, he also seized the opportunity to prove his strength when Paul was absent. Isn't that? In the game against the Timberwolves, Ayton hit a new career scoring high: In this game, Suns center Ayton played 35 minutes, shooting 15 of 24 shots, 1 of 1 three-pointer, 4 of 4 from the free throw line, 35 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block, plus or minus +11, 35 points is also Ayton's career high. According to statistics, in Ayton's match against Downs, the Suns won 5 wins and 1 loss.
So we can see that Ayton can not only complete the task of a traditional center forward, but also deliver some wonderful assists, but it is still a long way from the positioning of the inner axis. He also has enough experience in defending super centers, so his disadvantages and shortcomings are projection and strategy, that is, having a stable mid-range shooting and three-point shooting ability, and being able to deliver stable assists, which is the distance between him and the super maximum salary contract.
However, even if the Suns did not send the idea of fat in advance, it does not mean that Ayton has no value in the market. According to the latest news report of the Suns reporter Duane Rankin, the Nets and warriors both plan to provide Ayton with a 5-year, 2-year dollar maximum salary contract, and the Suns to discuss a first-come-first-2-plus plan. This season, Ayton has averaged 17.3 points, 10 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, shooting 64.4% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range, which also reflects the need for him to expand his offensive arsenal.
In addition to Ayton, the Suns currently have two interior lines in the lineup, McGee and Billy Beaum, as well as Kaminsky, who is also returning from injury, and these players can replace Ayton's function to some extent. Once Ayton doesn't show his unique value in the playoffs this season, it's highly likely that the Suns will give it up, and it's not impossible. After all, with the instigation of Paul and Booker, two top defenders, the centers are not worried about not having no bread to eat.
It is understood that the Nets are willing to use Simmons + two first-round draft picks, first signed and then exchanged for Ayton. Although the Nets lack an all-round forward like warrior Green, Simmons' lack of projection ability will undoubtedly drag down the team's offense, so they want to get Ayton is also forgivable, which is a new idea and choice. Irving is not without organizational ability, once he is willing to share the ball can still lead his teammates to attack; Durant also has a certain ability to assist, Ayton can also use his strategy and organizational talent at the Nets.
With Wiseman unable to make a comeback on time again, the Warriors' interior strength is once again challenged, and it may be possible to bring in a potential interior lineman who wants to win the championship. But if you want to get Ayton, you must pay a lot of price, and perhaps Wiggins will become a bargaining chip in the transaction, after all, Cuminga is already cashing in on his talent. If the Suns' forward defense gets Wiggins, the strength of the front group will make them stronger, enough to compete with the Celtics' front group.
For Ayton, the maximum salary contract is a high probability event, but if you want to stay with the Suns, you have to watch his playoffs. If he can help the team reach the finals and win the championship, then he has enough confidence to negotiate with management, and the possibility of winning the top salary also exists, what do you think?