Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal 

For the Mavericks, this depends on Kyrie Irving. Realistically, anything they do this summer does.

If the Mavericks can’t retain him in free agency, they may want to hold onto their draft capital. Suddenly, their outlook is less certain. 

On the other hand, if they do manage to hang onto him, they’ll need a defensive anchor. Ayton could be the target. Luka Doncic can keep him engaged as a pick-and-roll partner on the other end, too.

This is a big man who can defend the interior for long stretches. There’s a bit of a gamble involved here. For a team desperate to improve defensively, it’s worth taking.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks & Phoenix Suns Updates

The Mavericks will be hoping that Ayton’s sometimes lackadaisical play is due to his discontent with the Suns. If so, this should be worth their while. 

Is it worth Phoenix’s?