Mavs Land Suns’ Deandre Ayton In Bold Trade Scenario

Phoenix Suns Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., F/C Maxi Kleber, 2025 First-Round Pick (DAL), 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL) 

Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Deandre Ayton 

In fact, Ayton generally represents an interesting pivot point in NBA history. 

Ayton was the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. With the benefit of hindsight, we know that the Suns should have taken Luka Doncic. At the time, their decision seemed sensible enough. 

After all, Ayton looked the part of a dominant two-way big man. Surely, there was still room for that type of player to lead an NBA offense, right? 

Apparently not. Ayton is a fine NBA player, but his offensive role is mostly limited to finishing pick-and-roll sets.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Dallas Mavericks Updates

If he’s the last player of his archetype to be selected first in the draft, that wouldn’t come as a shock. 

Should the Suns part with him already?