The Dallas Mavericks tried to trade for Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. However, the Suns rejected the Mavericks’ offer for Ayton, who has the same agent as Dallas superstar Luka Doncic.
Haynes is reporting that the Suns, who acquired All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards, are planning to keep Ayton next to Beal, two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant and star shooting guard Devin Booker.
“Not too long ago, the Dallas Mavericks made a play for Deandre Ayton,” Haynes said. “They made a real serious play for Deandre Ayton. And it was not approved. …. It’s something that the Phoenix Suns didn’t feel, they didn’t feel like it was an adequate enough package to make that deal. So that was pretty recent.”
Ayton didn’t have a good relationship with former Suns head coach Monty Williams. Phoenix’s front office believes new head coach Frank Vogel will be able to connect with Ayton better than Williams did and help the Arizona product be more engaged on both ends of the floor on a consistent basis.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Dallas Mavericks Updates
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.
The Mavericks are seeking a pick-and-roll partner for Doncic and star point guard Kyrie Irving, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Dallas tried to trade for Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, but Cleveland wasn’t interested in moving the Texas product.
“Sources say the Dallas Mavericks, who own the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and have sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. — a player the Cavs discussed at the February trade deadline — were one team that recently reached out about Allen’s availability,” Fedor wrote. “While it’s unclear what was offered, the Mavericks have been seeking a pick-and-roll partner for guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Ayton has career averages of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds. He’ll make $32.5 million next season. The Nassau native 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.
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