O’Neal said Ayton handled not getting a rookie max extension for five years, $172 million heading into the 2021-22 season “the right way.” The Suns and Ayton’s representatives failed to agree on any kind of rookie extension. “The kid did it the respectful way,” O’Neal said. “Me, I’m different. OK, you’re not going to play me? Alright, don’t worry about it. He didn’t complain. He made one statement about it and he played and he played his tail off. Played like a true big man. Give that kid what he wants. You’ve got other people signed for four (years), $270 (million), they don’t deserve it. Give this kid what he wants.”