Grade the Trade idea: Mavericks finally add a star center

Grading the trade for the Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs would be ecstatic to add a starting-caliber center with career averages of 16.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and a block per game. Adding a lurking interior presence alongside Doncic and potentially Kyrie Irving would do wonders for the Mavs' offense and defense.

Ayton would be a perfect fit as a roll man for Doncic. He would feed off easy baskets and put-backs, while also having the freedom to operate as the Mavs' only interior scoring presence. Ayton would find himself in a similar situation as he experienced in Phoenix. He would be playing with two ball-dominant guards who are more than willing passers.

Ayton would shore up the Mavs' rebounding woes, as he has averaged at least 10 rebounds in every season of his career. The Mavs averaged the least rebounds in the NBA, nearly two less than the 2nd-to-last team. Fittingly, the Mavs also averaged the least offensive rebounds in the NBA, another area of concern Ayton would shore up.

Adding Ayton would help the Mavs on defense too. Although Ayton isn't the fiercest interior defender, his presence would make a difference, as he is listed at 7'1" and has a 7'6" wingspan. With Ayton's measurables and athleticism, it seems like his career blocks per game should be higher than it is at 0.7.

Potential starting lineup: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Josh Green, Maxi Kleber, Deandre Ayton

Dallas gets an A for this trade. Although they would be sacrificing some depth in trading Hardaway Jr., they have another shot creator in Jaden Hardy, who should be ready to take on a larger role. In the trade, the Mavs would finally get their center of the future, who would remain with Dallas for at least three more seasons.