For about the millionth time this offseason: The Phoenix Suns’ most prudent course of action this summer is still coming to terms on a new extension with Deandre Ayton. A five-year max is probably out of the question after they failed to pony up last offseason, but if they so choose, the Suns are still in the driver’s seat to keep their restricted free agent. Even after a Game 7 meltdown that featured a sideline blowup between Ayton and coach Monty Williams, that matters. The growing sentiment that DA is gone pales in the light of three undeniable facts: Even on a four-deal, the Suns can still offer more money than anyone elseThe Suns can match any offer sheet from…

A championship would’ve made the upcoming offseason so much simpler for the Phoenix Suns. Coming off a 64-win campaign that had them looking like title favorites, bringing the franchise its first Larry O’Brien trophy would’ve made the check list easy for general manager James Jones: Re-sign Deandre Ayton, give Devin Booker his supermax, extend Cam Johnson and tweak the rest...

In 54 years as a franchise, there is not a single player or topic that’s been more divisive among the Phoenix Suns fanbase than Deandre Ayton. His mere existence as the No. 1 selection in the 2018 NBA Draft made him an immediate lightning rod for debate, and not just in the usual way first overall picks are scrutinized. His...