Insider Says Mavericks' Interest in Deandre Ayton Overblown
The Phoenix Suns are expecting some major changes in the offseason, and it feels like that starts with the status of Deandre Ayton.
Even after having his initial offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers matched by the organization last summer, there's been no shortage of smoke around Ayton and a potential way out of the desert.
Monty Williams' displeasure with Phoenix's No. 1 pick was quite obvious - though Williams isn't in the picture anymore after the Suns flamed out of the second round of the postseason in what is now back to back years.
Ayton figures to be in the same boat, as Phoenix is heavily expected to explore trade opportunities for the big man this summer. ESPN's Zach Lowe said there are "a lot" of people in the Suns' organization that are tired of Ayton.
One team heavily tied to Ayton has been the Dallas Mavericks, who would like to bolster their presence at the five-spot. With Kyrie Irving potentially leaving in the summer, Dallas needs to surround Luka Doncic with capable players, and Ayton could very well fit that bill.
However, one NBA insider says the Ayton-to-Dallas train is gaining a little too much steam, as Marc Stein says the rumored interest from the Mavericks has, "has been overstated to this point." (h/t Bleacher Report)
Stein admitted that Ayton did have some backing within Dallas but, "there are likewise questions about the former No. 1 overall pick's ability to live up to the $102-plus million."
The Indiana Pacers and Portland Trail Blazers are also reportedly interested in Ayton.
