5 Hypothetical trades that land Deandre Ayton on the Dallas Mavericks

2. Kyrie Irving blockbuster

The Suns and Mavericks would have to work out a sign-and-trade for Kyrie Irving to end up in Phoenix. Such a deal would hard cap the Suns, which is projected to be at $162 million (subscription required). Phoenix has $165.6 million committed in salaries to just seven players, so they would have to do some significant maneuvering to put Kyrie on the team. Here’s a deal that makes it work per Fanspo.

If they give Kyrie a four-year $160 million contract, which is below the max, this move allows the Suns to trim enough payroll to round out their roster. It does little to improve Phoenix’s depth, but it upgrades their star talent.

Fanspo says this trade works, but the more likely scenario would be Phoenix trading CP3 to a team with cap space before pulling off a sign-and-trade for Kyrie. Ayton would head back to Dallas, which would give the Suns plenty of room to dip below the tax apron.

Chris Paul should have trade value around the league. Injuries have become an issue for the 38-year-old, but he is still one of the best floor generals. The Suns would be upgrading to Kyrie, so they would have zero need for CP3.

Consider this one unlikely because it does not allow the Phoenix Suns to improve their depth and it hard caps them. If a Deandre Ayton to Dallas trade happens this summer, here is the most likely scenario.