Could Mavs Acquire Suns Star Deandre Ayton in Offseason Trade?
The Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns are currently nestled in playoff positioning, separated by 2.5 games in the Western Conference Standings with nine games remaining in the regular season. The two franchises executed groundbreaking trades at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, bolstering their championship aspirations.
The Brooklyn Nets traded superstar Kevin Durant to Phoenix and fellow 2023 All-Star Kyrie Irving to Dallas. Looking past the postseason to what should be an exciting summer, NBAanalysis.net conjured up a bold trade scenario that sends Suns star Deandre Ayton to the Mavericks in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and two future first round picks, saying:
"Some will suggest that this is a foolish deal for the Suns. They just acquired Kevin Durant – are we sure this deal makes them better right now?
Not entirely. At the same time, it does feel like a possibility. The Suns could use a more dynamic guard with their second unit. Hardaway Jr. provides them with one.
Moreover, Kleber is a useful player too. He can space the floor and defend in space. If the Suns can retain or replace Bismack Biyombo in free agency, they’ll have a solid platoon at the 5.
Moving Ayton for Hardaway Jr. and Kleber -- who are owed a combined $28.8 million next season -- would save the Suns about $3.6 million and keep them from a tax bill by the skin of their teeth. Not to mention, they’d get two future first-round picks that could become more valuable down the road if Luka Doncic ever decides to leave Dallas.
As for the Mavericks, they could potentially have over $25 million in cap space for next season, depending on how the Irving free agency goes, and that number only grows season-over-season, giving them the leeway to bring Ayton into the fold.
Aside from the money, Phoenix would be sacrificing one of the premiere pick-and-roll finishers in the league for a sharpshooting center and a steady offensive weapon. While neither of the added draft picks (2025, 2027) are protected, a Suns team with championship-or-bust expectations may value win-now assets over future talent, especially those that complement reliable offense with capable defense.
Conversely, Ayton would change the complexion of the Mavericks while retaining their superstar duo of Irving and Luka Doncic. Both Doncic (No. 4) and Irving (No. 16) are among the NBA's elite in pick-and-roll scoring as facilitators. Adding Ayton -- who is No. 3 league wide among all screen-setters in pick-and-roll offense -- would render Dallas' potent attack virtually unguardable.
Any need for offseason trades will be largely contingent upon the outcome of the 2023 playoffs, win or lose.
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