If Deandre Ayton gets traded by the Phoenix Suns this summer, many people around the NBA believe the center will land with the Dallas Mavericks.
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, multiple NBA sources expect Dallas to be a likely destination for Ayton.
“More than one NBA source said they expect Dallas to be a likely destination for Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton,” Pincus wrote. “(Luka) Doncic and Ayton share an agent (Bill Duffy of WME Sports) and are said to have a good relationship.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Suns are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for Ayton this offseason, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN. The former No. 1 overall pick would be “excited” about getting traded and getting a fresh start in a new city with a new team.
“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, who averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game this season.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Dallas Mavericks Updates
There has been a lot of chatter in league circles about the Suns and Mavericks doing a sign-and-trade deal involving Ayton and Kyrie Irving since Irving becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. Irving played Phoenix superstar Kevin Durant on the Brooklyn Nets, and since Chris Paul is 38, multiple NBA execs believe the Suns need a new point guard next to Durant and All-Star shooting guard Devin Booker.
Ayton, 24, averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds during the regular season, but his numbers dropped in the postseason to 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds.
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