Mavs Kyrie Irving 'Plan B'? Sign-&-Trade for Suns' Deandre Ayton, Chris Paul Could Be Option

If the marriage between Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks were to end in a sign-and-trade this offseason, look no further than the Phoenix Suns.

Never lose an asset for nothing. 

That statement should be plastered throughout the walls of the Dallas Mavericks' headquarters, as they know the feeling all too well. 

Last summer, Jalen Brunson bolted to join the family business with the New York Knicks as the Mavericks were left with nothing.

For the Mavericks to not repeat such a disaster, they'll need to re-sign Kyrie Irving, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent come July. 

Though Irving seemed to enjoy his time in Dallas, feeling 'comfortable' and appreciative of the Mavericks accepting him for him, you just never know what Irving is going to do.

With that said, Dallas needs a back-up plan – maybe two. 

On the latest episode of 'Howdy Partners', ESPN's Tim MacMahon discussed potential sign-and-trade scenarios for Irving, with included one of Dallas' biggest rivals.

"A thing that has a slightly larger tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny percent chance of happening — a sign-and-trade with the Phoenix Suns," MacMahon said of potential destinations for Irving this summer. 

The trade target for the Mavericks in this scenario? Deandre Ayton.

"The Dallas Mavericks have a gaping hole at their starting center," MacMahon said. "The Dallas Mavericks believe that Deandre Ayton is an extremely talented young big man who has a lot of untapped potential. Those are the facts."

MacMahon referenced the 'awkward' relationship between Ayton and the Suns, who signed an offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers last summer, along with the fact that the Phoenix big man's agent, Bill Duffy, also represents Luka Doncic.

During the 2022-23 regular season, Ayton averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds on 59 percent shooting from the field.

But, according to MacMahon, in said hypothetical blockbuster scenario, the Mavericks could get another piece in future Hall-of-Fame point guard in return in Chris Paul.

"I'll say this, the Mavericks would be very willing to discuss a deal where he (Paul) also came back," MacMahon said. "...I think the Mavericks would absolutely be, not just willing, but excited about building a deal to include Chris Paul."

Paul, who turns 38 years old in May, is approaching Father Time's doorstep but would still lend a hand to the Doncic-led team as a leader and facilitator, who is guaranteed $30 million next season and due another $30 million in 2024-25 that is not guaranteed.

For a sign-and-trade scenario for Irving, the Suns seem to be near atop the list of potential suitors, but as for teams looking to sign Irving outright, ESPN's Bobby Marks told MacMahon that he didn't see many options outside of Dallas. 

"If it's not Dallas, I just don't see a cap space route just with the teams that have room, just sliding him in there," Marks said, as both he and MacMahon mentioned the Houston Rockets as a potential team seeking a 'marquee star' this summer.

Ideally for the Mavericks, they’ll re-sign Irving and look to bolster their frontcourt elsewhere, but if push comes to shove, landing Ayton for the long haul and two years of Paul isn't a bad consolation prize.

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