After failing to reach the Western Conference Finals, the Phoenix Suns appear primed to undergo major changes in the NBA offseason. Among them could involve a trade sending Deandre Ayton to a new team after underachieving in the first season of a four-year, $132.9 million contract.
Ayton had a respectable regular season by averaging 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds while shooting 58.9 percent from the floor. He has provided the Suns with averages of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds combined in his five NBA seasons. However, his production in the postseason underwhelmed, with many calling his effort-level into question.
Ayton’s production suffered against the two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. He averaged only 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in 29.6 minutes per game. His performance in the series included a game in which he scored four points on 2-6 shooting in a Game 3 victory. He was even benched in favor of Jock Landale to close out a game.
It has even been reported by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon that Ayton “would be excited” about a change of scenery using an offseason trade. He also added that Phoenix is expected to “aggressively explore the trade market” to move on from him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Dallas Mavericks Updates
It’s clear that Ayton and the Suns could benefit from a change. Which team could trade for the former 1st overall pick? Among media members constructing possible Ayton trade ideas, the Dallas Mavericks are a commonly mentioned team. During a recent episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast”, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor identified the Mavericks as a potential suitor for Ayton to give him a fresh start.
“How about Dallas? He needs somebody that can continue to push him and motivate him,” O’Connor said. “Maybe a Luka [Doncic] in Dallas.”
“A fresh start could be good for (Ayton),” O’Connor explained. “…I think he needs a fresh start outside of Phoenix. I just don’t know where that is, what team I’d feel super comfortable with considering everything he said pre-career and everything we’ve seen since he signed that deal.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns, Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates
When constructing win-now trades that would define the 2023 NBA offseason, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report crafted a deal that would send Ayton to the Mavs. In exchange, the Suns would receive Tim Hardaway Jr., JaVale McGee, and a 2027 first-round pick.
The Mavs face a dire need to address the center position this offseason. Dwight Powell continued to be utilized as a frequent starting option but puts Dallas at a talent deficit in comparison to much of the NBA. It’s unlikely that Christian Wood will be back as he enters free agency. McGee is not a viable starting center. Maxi Kleber is best sliding over to the five in small-ball lineups but not as a base identity.
Ayton would present Luka Doncic with a helpful pick-and-roll partner with soft touch in the paint, along with an ability to knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers in mid-range. He’s not the best at punishing switches or isolation basketball, but he isn’t as limited in that regard as Doncic’s former frontcourt partner in Kristaps Porzingis.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns, Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The idea of Ayton makes sense for the Mavs, but like most trade scenarios, the required compensation is what matters most in determining the feasibility of a deal. The team should be actively seeking to dump the contracts of both Hardaway and McGee, if possible. There should be reluctance to trade a 2023 first-round pick (if retained) given the limited nature of their assets. Here, they’d keep it.
Depending on how eager the Suns are to move on from Ayton and how limited the trade market is for his services, there’s a case to be made for this return. Phoenix would benefit from recouping a future first-round pick and they could utilize Hardaway and McGee as possible stopgap options.
Grant Afseth is an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network and a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
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