If Deandre Ayton gets traded by the Phoenix Suns this summer, many people around the NBA believe the center will land with Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, multiple NBA sources expect Dallas to be a likely destination for Ayton, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft out of Arizona.
“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: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks, Deandre Ayton & Phoenix Suns Updates
The Suns, who lost to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals in six games, are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for Ayton this offseason, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN. Ayton would not be opposed to 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.”
There has been a lot of discussion in NBA 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. However, sources have told NBA Analysis Network that Doncic and Dallas head coach Jason Kidd want Irving to stay.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks, Deandre Ayton & Phoenix Suns Updates
Ayton averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds during the regular season for the Suns, but his numbers fell in the postseason to 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds. The Mavericks could have a Big Three of Doncic, Irving, and Ayton if Irving re-signs with Dallas and Ayton is acquired by GM Nico Harrison.
However, the Mavericks have to take it one step at a time and re-sign Irving first.
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