Mavs Eyeing Suns Star Deandre Ayton In Offseason Trade?

The Dallas Mavericks need reinforcements to revive their status as a playoff contender, and they could see Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton as a potential remedy to their big-man problems.

The Dallas Mavericks will not be competing in the 2023 NBA postseason after a disappointing end to the season following their deadline trade for Kyrie Irving. 

Much speculation has already surfaced on how Dallas' front office will re-tool the roster leading into 2023-24, and Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus reports that Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton could be a trade target for the Mavericks:

“Assuming Irving returns, the Mavericks might have an eye on Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton. Per NBA sources, Dallas also eyed Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner and Atlanta Hawks forward/center John Collins before the trade deadline,” Pincus wrote.

The Mavericks compromised perimeter defense in exchange for all-world offensive firepower, and it backfired on them. Though continuity takes time to establish, the Mavericks could not contain opponents, which directly led to their plunge in the standings.

Ayton is under contract through 2025-26 with the Suns. He is owed $32.4 million next year, $34 million the following year and $35.5 million in the final year of his expiring deal.

Ayton brings high value to any team, but is he what Dallas desperately needs? Currently, Ayton ranks No. 43 in the Association with 0.8 blocks per contest. He is a pick-and-roll scoring machine who can bring the defense out past 18 feet. 

However, Ayton's perimeter defense, while not putrid, may not be the answer for coach Jason Kidd and company. Notably, he was exploited on switches in the 2021 NBA Finals, in which his interior and perimeter defense was part and parcel of Phoenix coughing up a 2-0 series lead to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks. 

In addition, Ayton was again put to the test against the Mavericks in the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals, and the Mavs' guards of Doncic, Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie had their way inside the arc, leading to their definitive series win.

Ayton would be a dream for Doncic and Irving in putting up points. The free agency status of Christian Wood also gives Dallas management reason to keep the big man on their radar in the event that the former leaves in the offseason. 

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