NBA Rumors Roundup: Kyrie Irving and Sean Marks not in contact regarding Irving's contract status, Deandre Ayton in line for a max contract extension, and more | May 18th, 2022
![Kyrie Irving and GM Sean Marks have not started the contract negotiation for the star point guard's contract situation. [Photo: New York Post]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/05/7c4fd-16528798041498-1920.jpg?w=500)
Arguably the NBA's hottest topic is still up in the air as Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks and Kyrie Irving haven't’ started contract talks. How their negotiations might go will be one of the biggest things to monitor before the Nets’ next campaign starts.
Phoenix Suns starting center Deandre Ayton, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, could still command a maximum salary in the offseason. Phoenix could match any team’s max offer for Ayton, but that will force the team into the NBA's luxury tax territory.
The Atlanta Hawks could vastly retool their lineup after a disappointing finish to their season. Team owner Tony Ressler doesn’t want to leave any stone unturned to finally get over the hump and reach the NBA Finals.
Dig in and get the latest stories circling in the NBA’s rumor mill.
Kyrie Irving’s future with the Brooklyn Nets remains unclear
![It's going to be interesting how Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets will come to terms for a new contract or an extension. [Photo: The New York Times]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/05/84780-16528799642193-1920.jpg)
After GM Sean Mark’s exit interview where he said a few interesting things regarding roster construction, Kyrie Irving’s contract status is still up in the air. There’s a general feeling that the Nets may not be willing to give “Kai” the maximum extension or a new maximum contract.
Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported that a future date to sit down and start the negotiations will be one of Mark’s most pressing concerns:
“I look forward to [it]. We have not had a conversation yet. So I look forward to getting in a room with him and Joe and his team, and we will. We’ll see what it looks like for Kyrie moving forward here, and what he needs from us and so forth.”
No talks yet between Kyrie Irving and Nets, says Sean Marks netsdaily.com/2022/5/18/2312… https://t.co/CLeD9I3LWO
Sean Marks emphasized “availability” and “selflessness” in his exit interview, two things that Kyrie Irving has not been able to provide for the franchise. How the two sides can come to terms will be heavily anticipated by the entire NBA.
The Brooklyn Nets can offer the most money to “Uncle Drew,” which is likely what the seven-time All-Star will be looking for. After past playoff disappointments, missed games, and various off-court dramas, the Nets might reject Irving's expectations.
Deandre Ayton could still end up with a max contract
![Deandre Ayton could still get the maximum rookie salary extension he was hoping to get from the Phoenix Suns. [Photo: SB Nation]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/05/1b100-16528802394789-1920.jpg)
The Phoenix Suns refused to give Deandre Ayton a max NBA rookie extension before the season started. He may still get that desired salary as he’s expected to have numerous suitors as the Suns enter the offseason.
Despite a controversial Game 7 where he played only 17 minutes, the 23-year-old is expected to have a robust market due to his overall performance. The No.1 pick of the 2018 NBA draft showed great hands, work ethic and professionalism that will push other teams to try and get his services.
Here’s what Adrian Wojnarowski had to report on Ayton’s free agency:
“Deandre Ayton did not feel valued by this Phoenix organization. They were not able to come to an agreement on his rookie extension. He saw many of the top players in his class get extensions and he wanted a max deal, he would not move off that.”
The NBA Insider continued:
“Ultimately, Phoenix can still match an offer out there and keep him if he signs an offer sheet with another team. … [He] is going to get a max contract in the marketplace, somewhere… There are a lot of teams lining up to figure out: how can we acquire him?”
Deandre Ayton doesn't feel valued by the Suns.
After another postseason failure, the tension is mounting as Phoenix's former #1 pick is entering restricted free agency without an extension offer.
More for @FOS 👇
frontofficesports.com/is-deandre-ayt…
The Suns’ front office will have to do salary calisthenics for them to retain Ayton while he gets the max extension.
The Atlanta Hawks could look significantly different for the 2022-23 NBA season
A year ago, the Atlanta Hawks were the surprise of the NBA when, behind Trae Young, they reached the Eastern Conference finals. Along the way, they beat the New York Knicks and then stunned the Philadelphia 76ers in an entertaining semifinal series.
Banking on a repeat performance, the Hawks largely kept the core of their team intact. It’s a move that team owner Tony Ressler may have come to regret already after Atlanta’s hugely disappointing season.
Chris Kirchner of The Athletic reported that a few of the Atlanta Hawks’ regular players could be traded for a more competitive team. Ressler is not averse to paying the luxury tax if the right personnel are on board.
“I think we should have tried to get better rather than bring back what we had. That won’t happen again. It was a mistake in my opinion at least.”
Atlanta Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler discusses the organization's 2021-22 on-court performance and plans for the 2022-23 campaign ⤵️ https://t.co/rgc3peqzfZ
If Ressler is dead set on making wholesale changes, he does have some valuable assets that could get him the right return. De’Andre Hunter, John Collins and Clint Capela are just a few of the names that could be traded to revamp the roster.