Deandre Ayton 'really disappointed' Phoenix Suns haven't reached deal on new contract

PHOENIX — Deandre Ayton made his point.

The Suns big man addressed his contract talks with the Suns for the first time since ESPN reported last week they had stalled over the franchise being reluctant to offer the five-year rookie max extension of $172.5 million.

The deadline to complete a rookie extension deal is Oct. 18.

"I love Phoenix, but I'm really disappointed we haven't really gotten a deal done yet," Ayton said after Tuesday's training camp practice. "We were two wins away from winning a championship and I just really want to be respected, to be honest. To be respected like my peers are being respected by their teams."

Ayton is referring to Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks), Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Michael Porter Jr. (Denver Nuggets). All four have received rookie max extensions going into this season.

Doncic and Ayton are under the same agency in BDA Sports Management.

Like those four, Ayton is up for a rookie max extension along with his Suns' teammate Mikal Bridges, as both were first round picks in the 2018 draft.