The Dallas Mavericks are in the hunt for a big man. It’s obvious. Dallas has been linked to every big with even a chance of being available this summer. In fact, they’ve already landed two this NBA offseason.
Richaun Holmes fell out of Sacramento’s rotation last year, but there’s good reason to believe he’s still productive. Meanwhile, Derrick Lively III has plenty of upside.
So, let us rephrase. The Mavericks are in the hunt for a starting big man. Holmes might not do the trick, and Lively III will be a rookie. How about Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns?
The Trade Proposal
Phoenix Suns Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., F/C Maxi Kleber, 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Deandre Ayton
The Phoenix Suns are in the hunt for an NBA title. Nothing less will satisfy this organization. That was already true last year. When the Suns acquired Kevin Durant at the deadline, they issued a clear statement: this team is all-in on the present.
So when they acquired Bradley Beal this summer, they were only doubling down. The Suns are a super team. In fact, they may have the most talented roster in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Dallas Mavericks & Phoenix Suns Updates
All of which puts Ayton in an awkward position. He’s already seemed tired of his limited role in Phoenix. How will he respond to being pushed further down the pecking order? Unless the Suns trade him, that is.
Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal
Well, Ayton’s apparent discontent with the team is one reason to trade him. After all, the Suns are in title-or-bust mode. This team can’t afford distractions. The Suns need a roster full of players who are on the same page and willing to play their roles.
Here, they’re landing two quality role players. Hardaway Jr. is a specialist, but he’s a gifted one. His movement shooting will give this team’s offense some extra juice.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Dallas Mavericks & Phoenix Suns Updates
Meanwhile, Kleber may be a more suitable starter than Ayton with this collection of superstars. He’s a low-usage player who spaces the floor and plays a versatile brand of defense. Should the Mavericks part with him?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Well, that depends. Let’s talk about Ayton. On a surface level, he’s a typical rim-running, rim protecting big man. That makes him a good fit alongside Luka Doncic. In all likelihood, these two would be dominant together in the pick-and-roll.
With that said, Ayton has some extra layers in his game too. He can score on the interior with a mixture of floaters, post moves, and baby hooks. In other words, he could be a great third option.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Dallas Mavericks & Phoenix Suns Updates
The Mavericks need a third option. So, Ayton serves several purposes for them. He’s a complimentary player for Doncic, and he can relieve some of his burden on offense as well. Perhaps that’s why the Mavericks are always linked to him.
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