Suns don't want to offer Deandre Ayton max extension?

Contract talks between Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns have stalled, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The young star reportedly wants a maximum rookie extension, but the Suns don't want to give him one. 

The 2018 first overall pick is one of the big reasons why Phoenix reached the NBA Finals last season. He averaged 15.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 22 playoff games. 

Despite that, however, Wojnarowski reported the Suns don't think Ayton belongs in the same group as some of his peers. Ayton reportedly disagrees and believes he should be paid like Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Michael Porter Jr. and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. All four were drafted after Ayton in 2018 and have received max extensions. 

Ayton also worked very well with veteran point guard Chris Paul, who is returning to Phoenix for the 2022 season and beyond. According to ESPN, Paul assisted Ayton on 143 baskets, which is the second-most of any combo in the league. 

If Ayton and the Suns can't come to an agreement by the Oct. 18 deadline, he could become a restricted free agent next year. At that point, Phoenix would be able to match an offer he receives, so things aren't necessarily over yet. 

It's also unclear how the Suns plan to replace Ayton if he signs elsewhere. JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, Gorgui Dieng, Enes Kanter, DeAndre Jordan and Andre Drummond are expected to be free agents after the 2021-22 season, according to Spotrac. Keeping Ayton would likely be the best option.