One NBA writer has proposed that Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks make a trade with the Phoenix Suns.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report is proposing that the Mavericks trade Tim Hardaway Jr., Reggie Bullock, JaVale McGee, and the 10th pick in the 2023 draft to the Suns for Deandre Ayton.
“The Mavericks need to turn this pick into an instant-impact player, and they might have that chance with Ayton, the No. 1 pick in 2018, seemingly wearing out his welcome in Phoenix,” Buckley wrote. “If the Suns are ready to move on, the Mavericks might be ready to pounce on a potential interior anchor who could be a productive pick-and-roll partner for Luka Dončić (and Kyrie Irving, he if re-signs).”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Dallas Mavericks Updates
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, multiple NBA sources expect the Mavericks to be the likely destination for Ayton if the No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 draft gets traded by the Suns. Doncic and Ayton have the same agent.
“More than one NBA source said they expect Dallas to be a likely destination for Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton,” Pincus wrote. “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
Ayton averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds during the regular season for the Suns. However, his numbers fell in the playoffs to 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds. The Suns are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for Ayton this summer, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
“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.”
Ayton has career averages of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds.
