No KD for Phoenix

Everyone is still waiting on KD and Donovan Mitchell to be traded so no one that things they're in the running for them, is making any moves BUT the Suns did remove themselves from KD contention...

• RFA DeAndre Ayton signs an offer sheet with the Pacers...but the Suns match it so Ayton will remain a Phoenix Sun. 

WHAT THIS MEANS

A restricted free agent has the ability to leave a team if another offers more money but if their team matches the offer, they remain on their original team. The Pacers offered Ayton a 4 year / 133 million dollar deal and the Suns has 48 hours to match that or let him walk and get nothing in return. The Suns almost immediately matched the offer so Ayton will stay a Sun .

HOW THIS AFFECTS A KD TRADE

DeAndre Ayton was a huge piece of a possible KD trade but by signing Ayton to a contract, he is unable to be traded until January 15th and can veto any trade. If KD is still a Net in January, then the Suns may be back in the conversation but it is not expected Durant will be on the Nets for much longer. 

Other News + Updates

• Rookie EJ Liddel has torn his ACL and will be sidelined indefinitely 
• The Knicks and Jazz engage in discussions around Donovan Mitchell
• Keldon Johnsons signs a 4/80 contract to stay with the Spurs 
• Lamelo Ball changes his jersey number from 2 to 1 
• Austin Rivers signs with Minnesota