Rumors: Mavericks targeting All-Star and number 1 pick to improve their roster

The Dallas Mavericks are facing a massive offseason where changes have to be made. They missed the playoffs after an epic late-season collapse, and the Mavs must improve their roster as their defense, rebounding, and rim protection were not good enough. Dallas has already made a change in the front office, and a shakeup to the coaching staff is in progress.

The Mavs need to re-sign Kyrie Irving. They traded for the eight-time All-Star in February hoping he would improve their roster, but things did not go as planned. Irving is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Dallas cannot afford to let him walk after giving up three draft picks and two starters to acquire him just months ago.

The Athletic’s Tim Cato went deep on Irving and the Mavericks (subscription required) in his latest piece where he mentioned two possible targets for Dallas this summer. Could they land either All-Star?

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks targeting former All-Star and number 1 pick to improve their roster

Cato noted that Khris Middleton and Deandre Ayton “have been floated as possibilities”, but there is a question of interest on the player side. Dallas also may not have the assets to acquire either as both would have to be done via trade, and the Mavericks have limited assets to offer in any deal.

Middleton has a history with head coach Jason Kidd from their time together in Milwaukee. Would he welcome a reunion? It is impossible to know, but the 6’7 wing did break out under the Hall of Fame point guard as he became a key scorer and shot-maker. Things may have not ended well, but relationships get repaired all the time in the NBA.

Ayton has been rumored to be unhappy in Phoenix since signing his new contract, and he could be on the move this summer. The former number-one pick was selected over Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic in the 2018 NBA Draft, and they could form a dynamic young pick-and-roll duo in Dallas. Ayton cannot become a free agent until 2026, and he would give the Mavs the best center that they have had since Tyson Chandler.

Will the Dallas Mavericks be able to bring either player on board this offseason? It won’t be easy. The Mavs have just two first-round picks available to trade and limited assets on their roster. They will be working the phones and looking for possible moves, and fans should stay tuned to see what they make happen.