Could this denied trade offer for star center ruin the Dallas Mavericks' offseason?

Why the Dallas Mavericks should have made this move

Looking back on draft night, the Dallas Mavericks should have undoubtedly made this move.

Walking away with Deandre Ayton, Dereck Lively II, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper in one night would be game-changing. Dallas would have landed their star center for the next few years in Ayton, his backup in Lively II, and a new wing in Prosper.

Instead, the Mavs walked away with Lively II, Richaun Holmes, and Prosper. Ayton would have been a huge upgrade over Holmes and gives Dallas one of the best starting centers in franchise history.

Dallas losing Tim Hardaway Jr. isn't that big of a loss. The Mavs now have Seth Curry, who could easily replace his minutes. Curry is the more consistent shooter anyways, and a trade is likely on the horizon for Hardaway Jr. again, as the Mavs still have Jaden Hardy.

The Mavericks are now stuck in a predicament as they struggle to find a team that will take McGee's contract. It's obvious that they want to trade him, but things wouldn't have been much different if they made the trade.

Either way, Dallas would still be trying to move McGee's contract right now. They shouldn't have gotten greedy and required McGee to be in the trade. Dallas should have made the trade and walked away from draft night with Lively II and Ayton as their two new centers. Instead, the Mavs walked away with Lively II and Holmes.

A big three of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Ayton would be exceptional. Ayton is just 24 years old and would have been a great young piece to add to their young core.

And now it looks like it's too late to trade for Ayton, as Phoenix is reportedly keeping him. Here's a look at Dallas' starting lineup if they made the move.

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

The Mavs would likely start the wing that they land with the MLE, but we can't assume who they are going to sign. For the sake of this trade, we inserted Josh Green into the starting lineup. The Mavs could also start Reggie Bullock in this situation.