8 Centers upgrades Dallas Mavericks could target this offseason

1. Deandre Ayton

The Mavs are rumored to be interested in Ayton if the Suns make him available this summer. Dallas needs a significant upgrade at the five, and the former number-one overall draft pick is certainly that. Ayton averaged 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 30.4 minutes per game this season, and he helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021.

The 24-year-old is a special talent, and he still has room to grow. Could the Mavs get him more locked in defensively and help him add a 3-point shot to his impressive mid-range arsenal?

Ayton’s rebounding and inside presence is something that the Mavericks desperately lacked this season. He could go out and get a double-double in his sleep. The 6’11 big man is represented by agent Bill Duffy, who also reps Luka Doncic. Ayton and Doncic know each other well, and Phoenix selected the big man over number 77 in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Could Deandre Ayton take his game to another level on the Dallas Mavericks? Dallas is certainly interested, but can they pry him away from the Suns with three years still left on his deal? Ayton has been rumored to be unhappy, and it is a situation to watch this offseason.

The Dallas Mavericks must upgrade at the five, but what can they get done this summer? Who will be the team’s starter when training camp begins? It is too soon to tell, but stay tuned for all the latest.