Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Dallas doesn’t do this deal unless they’re forced to. In a sense, this is a half-measure. The Mavericks need Irving and a player like Ayton. With that said, that may not be an option.
After all, this deal assumes that Irving has requested a sign and trade. If the Mavs don’t acquiesce, he’ll probably leave them empty-handed. That would be catastrophic.
By contrast, this would be much more palpable. The Mavericks are in need of a defensive big. If they can find a co-star for Doncic in time, having Ayton on the roster should make them better in the long term.
His partnership with Luka Doncic may be built to last. There is a natural synergy that comes with a center with soft touch with a high usage pick-and-roll ball handler.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Phoenix Suns & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Ayton has shown — when engaged — to be a legitimate defensive anchor. He was integral in the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals doing so. As a focal point offensively, perhaps he’d be energized to lock in.
