The Phoenix Suns rejected the Dallas Mavericks’ trade offer for center Deandre Ayton, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
However, the Mavericks could still trade for Ayton once the 2023-24 season starts. The former No. 1 overall pick has the same agent as Dallas superstar Luka Doncic.
“Sources with knowledge of the Phoenix/Dallas trade discussions said a resumption of the Ayton talks could not be ruled out,” Stein wrote. “Trading for Ayton would be a pricey gamble for Dallas, given the years and millions left on the inconsistent big man’s deal, but it’s a gamble that the Mavericks would ultimately be willing to take given their need for a center and the relatively low cost to acquire the player chosen two picks ahead of Luka Dončić at No. 1 overall in 2018.”
The 24-year-old Ayton averaged 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists for the Suns this past season while shooting 58.9% from the field and 76.0% from the free-throw line. He recorded 36 double-doubles and helped Phoenix win 45 games in the regular season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Ayton tried to leave the Suns last offseason by signing a four-year, $132.9 million offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers in restricted free agency. However, Phoenix matched Indiana’s offer sheet.
The Suns have decided to keep Ayton for now since the organization wants to see how the big man plays under new head coach Frank Vogel. Phoenix held trade talks with several teams about Ayton, but the Arizona product will remain with the Suns and start alongside All-Stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Dallas Mavericks Updates
After failing to get Ayton, the Mavericks will continue to search for a center to pair alongside Doncic and All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, who is expected to re-sign with Dallas once free agency starts. Christian Wood becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30, but Dallas will not re-sign him, per Stein.
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