The NBA draft is an imperfect science. Sometimes, teams get it wrong. Just look at the 2018 draft. Has number one pick Deandre Ayton had a solid career? Absolutely. Is he Luka Doncic?
Of course not. Doncic is an offensive powerhouse. The Dallas Mavericks have been able to build an elite offense around him on a near-annual basis. Ayton is a solid big man, but surely, the Phoenix Suns see the error of their ways.
Don’t weep for them. In spite of their error, the Suns have better title odds than the Mavericks in 2023-24. With Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal on this roster, the Suns are arguably the most talented team in the NBA. Could they possibly send Ayton to the Mavericks?
The Trade Proposal
Phoenix Suns Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., F/C Maxi Kleber, C JaVale McGee, 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Deandre Ayton
How did this happen? Frankly, it’s not especially complicated. There were questions about Doncic leading up to the draft. It’s only in hindsight that he’s answered all of them.
Mainly, those questions surrounded his lack of athleticism. To be sure, Doncic is a sub-elite athlete. Meanwhile, it’s fair to say that, in 2018, European competition wasn’t as respected as it is now. If Doncic wasn’t dominated overseas, what did that say about his NBA potential? How would be a primary playmaker if he couldn’t blow by opponents on a regular basis?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Dallas Mavericks & Phoenix Suns Updates
Simple – by being a basketball genius. By contrast, Ayton felt like a safe bet. He’s among the most impressive physical specimens in the NBA. Unfortunately, Ayton hasn’t been able to translate his impressive athletic qualities into star-caliber NBA production. With that said, he’s a distinctly above-average NBA player. Should the Suns really give him up already?
Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal
For starters, there have been whispers about Ayton’s unhappiness in Phoenix. That’s fair. It feels like Ayton gets pushed further down this team’s pecking order every summer. With the acquisition of Bradley Beal, this summer is no exception. In all likelihood, Ayton’s offensive output will be limited to finishing pick-and-rolls in 2023-24.
Instead, the Suns will lean on him for defense. If that’s his primary job description, wouldn’t a platoon of Kleber and McGee do just as well? Kleber is a solid rim protector who can defend in space. McGee is more stationary, but he can still protect the rim. Meanwhile, the Suns may benefit more from the presence of an elite movement shooter like Hardaway Jr. than they do from having Ayton as a glorified fourth option.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Dallas Mavericks & Phoenix Suns Updates
Meanwhile, adding a first-round pick is pivotal for the Suns too. At the moment, they’re entirely out of future assets. Adding one would improve their flexibility in the short-term, and help them if they’re forced to rebuild in a couple of years. Should the Mavericks give one up for Ayton?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Ayton should be a fourth option in Phoenix next year. He’d be a third option in Dallas. That should be critical to him. This team’s entire attack would be built around Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Ayton. He’ll get some opportunities to showcase his inside scoring chops.
That should be critical to Dallas as well. As currently constructed, this team’s offense should be strong – but slightly predictable. It’s going to run almost exclusively through their two star guards. Adding a wrinkle like Ayton’s inside scoring would be helpful in that regard.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Dallas Mavericks & Phoenix Suns Updates
Meanwhile, Ayton is still the best interior defender in this trade. The Suns have a deeper offensive roster than the Mavericks – they may be content with piecemeal interior defense. On the other hand, Dallas needs an anchor. Ayton can be that for them – even if he should never have been the first overall pick.
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