Grade the Trade: Mavericks land former number 1 pick in potential blockbuster

The Dallas Mavericks enter the offseason focused on ways to improve their roster around superstar Luka Doncic. An epic late-season collapse forced Dallas to miss the playoffs entirely, which happened after the Mavs traded for Kyrie Irving. It was not Kyrie drama that sunk the team, but an uneven roster caused by the deal itself. The Mavericks did not have enough defense, and it resulted in losing 18 of their final 25 games.

Re-signing Kyrie is the top priority as the eight-time All-Star becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. Interest from the Lakers is brewing, but Dallas still believes they will retain his services.

The Mavericks have to do more to return to contention. They must acquire a new starting center, and Deandre Ayton may be the best big man to change teams this offseason. His days in Phoenix appear numbered, but could Dallas capitalize?

Dallas Mavericks land Deandre Ayton to pair with Luka Doncic

Bleacher Report offered hypothetical deals for lottery picks, and the Mavericks were popular in the piece. They are rumored to be shopping the tenth overall pick, and Bleacher Report proposed this.

Ayton’s value is in question. The 24-year-old former number-one overall pick averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game last season, but there was plenty of lackluster play to go along with it. The 6’11 big man still has untapped potential on both ends of the floor, but can the Mavericks bring it out of him?

Deandre Ayton shares an agent with Luka Doncic and the two know each other well. The Dallas Mavericks need more talent, and Ayton certainly offers that, but why would Phoenix make this trade?