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Why the Pacers not getting Deandre Ayton was the best thing for them

The Pacers signed Deandre Ayton to a max offer sheet in the summer of 2022. The Phoenix Suns matched it. Two years later, it's clear Indiana dodged a bullet.

By Ryan Stano

Jan 19, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) shoots the ball over Indiana Pacers power forward Pascal Siam (43) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) shoots the ball over Indiana Pacers power forward Pascal Siam (43) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports / Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
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Following the 2021-2022 season, the Indiana Pacers were looking to make a big shake-up. They had traded for Tyrese Haliburton midway through the season and were looking to revamp the direction of their franchise. Quite frankly, they were tired of being bad.

The Pacers tried to make the biggest move of the 2022 offseason. They signed Suns center Deandre Ayton to a four-year max deal worth $133 million. It was an offer sheet because he was a restricted free agent, which meant Phoenix had a chance to match any offer given to him.

The Suns immediately matched the offer and Ayton stayed a Sun. They did it so that they wouldn't lose the asset for nothing. They knew that the relationship had soured. Looking back at it now, it was the best thing that could have happened for the Pacers.

Without Deandre Ayton, the Pacers are better off

With Ayton staying in Phoenix, the Pacers eventually signed Myles Turner to an extension. He continues to be the longest-tenured player on the roster. Indiana ended up trading for Pascal Siakam this past season and made the Eastern Conference Finals with a young roster.

Ayton played one more season in Phoenix before being unloaded to Portland last offseason. He played just 55 games and averaged only 16.7 points per game on a bad Trailblazers team. His effort and commitment to the game continue to be questioned, especially after missing a game because he couldn't get down his driveway due to ice.

Looking back at it two years later, it's clear this move would not have made the Pacers better. They are a better team with Turner manning the center position. Siakam gobbled up the money that Ayton would have gotten and he's made an All-NBA team before.

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Things worked out well for Indiana. Phoenix has three players they think can win them a title, but it hasn't worked well. Looking at it now, it was actually a brilliant move by Indiana to force Phoenix's hand and make them match the offer, knowing they couldn't lose Ayton for nothing.

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