The Suns screwed themselves majorly here. I get haggling over money as I personally don't think Ayton is a max contract player, but they made things so, so much worse.
- they allegedly didn't even make him an offer in free agency, pissing off a guy who was already pissed.
- Ayton's relationships with his coaches, teammates and organization has apparently degraded severely. Again, likely because he feels undervalued/disrespected
Phoenix is now faced with a gongshow with a couple of options:
A) match the offer sheet and risk disrupting team chemistry/cohesion because you pissed off one of your key pieces..not to mention you cannot trade him for 6 months along with Ayton getting veto power on any trades he doesnt like afterwards
B) beg Indiana to give you something in a sign and trade so you can try and save face and then continue your pursuit of KD I guess?
C) let him walk for absolutely nothing because despite your run of success, you're still the jabroni ass Suns.
If I'm Indiana I'm calling the Suns bluff. You don't have the need for Ayton and you're going to suck with or without him. See if the Suns actually do match.