Don't Rule Out Suns-Mavericks Deal for Deandre Ayton

The Phoenix Suns reportedly plan to keep Deandre Ayton - but will the Dallas Mavericks say no?

Speculation always seems to run at rampant pace when it comes to Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, yet approaching the upcoming summer, it felt as if Ayton was destined to don a new uniform.

Phoenix pushed all their chips to the middle of the table after acquiring Kevin Durant at the trade deadline before throwing whatever else they had in their pockets after landing Bradley Beal recently. 

The Suns - more than anything - were thought to need depth to really make an impact in the postseason, something they so desperately lacked last year. 

With Phoenix stacked against the walls of the luxury tax, the only plausible move that could net serious help was a trade involving Ayton.

Ayton's relationship with the Suns has been nothing short of complicated. After arriving as the franchise's sole No. 1 pick, Ayton has only flashed his potential rather than establish himself on a nightly basis. There's been frustration on both sides of the table. 

Trades were certainly explored, but NBA insiders such as Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro and NBA on TNT's Chris Haynes reported the Suns planned to keep Ayton for the upcoming season. 

One team that has been consistently linked to Ayton - the Dallas Mavericks - are still a team pushing for a deal, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. 

"The Phoenix Suns engaged in advanced discussions to trade former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to the Dallas Mavericks last week during the NBA Draft before the talks stalled," Stein wrote.

"Sources with knowledge of the Phoenix/Dallas trade discussions said a resumption of the Ayton talks could not be ruled out."

Phoenix reportedly would have received Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes and JaVale McGee in a deal back. Stein says the Suns did not want McGee, who previously played for the team.