Disoriented Suns Hoping to Turn Season Around After Crazy Summer

After a blowout loss in game seven against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semi-Final, the Suns had a lot of questions over the summer.

Former number one overall pick, Deandre Ayton, wanted out of Phoenix after extension talks went nowhere over the course of last season along with a dwindling relationship with head coach Monty Williams. The Suns had been shopping him the moment the off-season started but were unable to strike a deal with anyone.

Once free agency began, Ayton was offered a 4-year $133 million contract by the Indiana Pacers but due to him being a restricted free agent, Phoenix had the ability to match that and they did.

In a recent interview, Ayton said "I haven't spoken to him at all, since the game." That "game" showed Ayton being benched for most of it.

https://twitter.com/GeraldBourguet/status/1574855899377635328 

Not only has Deandre experienced turmoil with the Suns, but fellow teammate Jae Crowder has also signified that he is ready to move on.

Jae Crowder signed a 3-year deal with Phoenix back in November 2020 but the Suns took a different approach and told Crowder that he would be coming off the bench and Cam Johnson would be starting.

The two sides were not able to agree to said terms and have since mutually agreed to find a new team for the

veteran forward.

All the way up

Perhaps the biggest sports news of the summer was the forced sale of the Phoenix Suns. The current majority owner, Robert Sarver, was accused of sexual misconduct and creating an unhealthy workplace with the use of racism and misogyny.

Back to reality

After back-to-back gut-wrenching playoff exits, the Suns have gone through a hectic off-season. They will aim to recreate what they did last season amidst all the drama within the organization.