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Deandre Ayton reacts to signing new deal with Suns

Photo: Deandre Ayton/Twitter

The future of Deandre Ayton was in doubt after he failed to reach an agreement with the Suns on a contract extension during the regular season.

During this offseason the former number one draft pick became a restricted free agent and signed an offer sheet with the Pacers, worth $133 million.

It was up to Phoenix to either match it or lose Ayton for nothing. The Suns matched the Pacers’ offer and penned a new deal with the player.

Despite the bumpy road to a new contract, Ayton was excited that he remained with the team that drafted him as he tweeted a happy message.

“PHOENIX! I grew up here, got drafted here, had my son here. We have the best fans in the world. I’m ready to get back to work with my brothers,” the 23-year-old center tweeted.

This past season Ayton averaged 17.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 29.5 minutes per game for Phoenix as they topped the Western Conference during the regular season.