Suns' DeAndre Ayton Facing 25-Game Suspension for Violating NBA's Anti-Drug Policy
By Scott Rogust
This isn't the news the Phoenix Suns wanted to hear nearly 24 hours after their season-opening win against the Sacramento Kings.
According to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Suns center and 2018 first overall pick DeAndre Ayton is facing a 25-game suspension for violating the league's anti-drug policy. In regards to what caused the violation, Wojnarowski reports that Ayton tested positive for a diuretic.
Suns center Deandre Ayton is facing a 25-game suspension for violating NBA’s Anti-Drug policy with a positive test for a diuretic, league sources tell ESPN. The NBA informed Ayton and Suns of looming suspension tonight.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 25, 2019
Yet, Ayton isn't going to accept the lengthy 25-game ban without a fight. Wojnarowski says the National Basketball Player's Association (NBPA) is planning an arbitration meeting in order to have the suspension reduced or revoked altogether. The belief among the NBPA and Ayton's camp is that the positive test stems from "unintentional ingestion."
The NBPA is already preparing arbitration case to reduce or rescind penalty, based on belief positive test falls under CBA provision of ‘unintentional ingestion', league sources tell ESPN. Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. https://t.co/UM34cCc3Ol
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 25, 2019
In regards to how the looming suspension impacts Ayton financially, the second-year big man would lose $2.17 million. If the suspension holds, the Suns can place Ayton on the suspended list, allowing them to add a player in his absence.
The suspension for DeAndre Ayton will cost $2.17M. The Suns have 15 guaranteed contracts and will move Ayton to the suspended list after he misses 5 games. The Suns will be able to add a 16th player after the Memphis game on Nov. 2.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) October 25, 2019
In the team's regular season opener, Ayton tallied 18 points and 11 rebounds in 33 minutes of action.