The Dallas Mavericks are considered a landing spot for Deandre Ayton if the Phoenix Suns decide to trade the center this NBA offseason.
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). 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 & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Ayton would be “excited” about getting traded by the Suns this offseason, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN. The former No. 1 overall pick tried to leave Phoenix last offseason by signing a four-year, $132.9 million offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers in restricted free agency. However, the Suns matched the Pacers’ offer sheet.
“Sources told ESPN that Ayton’s teammates have shared their coach’s frustration with what they perceive to be inconsistent effort and aggression from the 7-footer,” MacMahon reported. “Ayton would be excited about a fresh start with another franchise, sources told ESPN.
The Suns are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for him this summer, league sources said. Although Ayton had a disappointing series against Denver — getting benched down the stretch of the Suns’ Game 3 win and frequently dominated by two-time MVP center Nikola Jokic — league sources expect several teams to show interest in acquiring the 24-year-old.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Ayton averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds during the regular season, but his numbers dipped in the postseason to 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds. The Arizona product put up only 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in the Denver Nuggets series and didn’t register a positive plus-minus rating in any game.
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