Dallas Mavericks dream of hypothetical trade for Deandre Ayton

The Dallas Mavericks must improve their roster after a disappointing season. Just one year removed from a run to conference finals, Dallas lost 18 of their final 25 games to miss the playoffs entirely. Luka Doncic put up monster numbers, but the roster around him was not good enough.

The Mavs desperately need an upgrade at the five, and they have been linked to Deandre Ayton. The former number one overall pick averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game this season, but he is reportedly unhappy in Phoenix. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that the Suns will be shopping Ayton this summer.

Marc Stein took it one step further on his podcast, #thisleague UNCUT. He offered up a fake trade that would land the 6’11 big man in Dallas. Let us take a closer look.

Dallas Mavericks dream of hypothetical trade for Deandre Ayton

Stein noted that the Mavs need to keep their top ten pick in 2023. Remember if it falls outside the top ten after the lottery on May 16 it heads to the New York Knicks. The NBA insider suggests Dallas should send that selection, Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, and whatever salary matching necessary for the 24-year-old big man in a purely hypothetical scenario.

Fanspo says the trade works as Stein laid it out, but the Suns may be eager to add a bit more depth. They could ask for someone like JaVale McGee as a stop-gap option at the five or Jaden Hardy to add a bit more youth into the return.

If the Mavericks can trade THJ, Kleber, and one first-round pick for Ayton, they would be ecstatic. The 24-year-old shares an agent with Luka Doncic, and the duo knows each other well. Ayton still has three years left on his contract, and he would give number 77 an outstanding pick-and-roll partner. The big man could add a 3-point shot in Dallas and take his game to another level.

Deandre Ayton would immediately be one of the best centers in Dallas Mavericks history if they can acquire him this summer. Is it possible? Yes, and it appears the Suns will explore his market. Teams could be scared off by the over $100 million remaining on his contract, but the Mavs should jump at the chance to acquire the talented big man.

The Dallas Mavericks rumors are just starting to heat up, so stay tuned for all the latest.