Restricted free agent Deandre Ayton has agreed to a max 4yr/$133m deal to sign with the Indiana Pacers, the largest offer sheet in history. The Phoenix Suns now have 48 hours to match the offer, do they have any other choice but to do so?

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The Suns franchise made it clear last summer that they would not offer Ayton the max deal that he wanted, and felt he deserved. However, that was in a time where they likely didn't believe any other team with offer him a max deal, now they must put up the money or risk losing their star big man for nothing.

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The 23 year old was the no.1 pick back in 2018 but so far he has been underwhelming, largely contributing as a role player rather than a star player. His influence and touches becoming more limited since the arrival of Chris Paul and the Suns quick rise from slackers to contenders in just a year.

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The center averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds last season on 63% shooting from the field, showing improvements on the defensive end of the floor, but clearly the Indiana Pacers see more in him than the Suns do.

Maybe the quick jump to contention made by Phoenix has hurt the development of Ayton and going to Indiana, a team building around a young core, could be the perfect place to restart his career and become the go-to big man the Suns thought they were drafting.

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The talent is clearly there but does he currently offer enough for Phoenix to invest so heavily or would they be better off spending their money elsewhere as they seek a first NBA championship?

We will know in 48 hours.

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(Photo- Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)