Mavericks Rumors: Door could re-open on a Deandre Ayton trade

In the whirlwind of the NBA offseason, the Dallas Mavericks have been making significant moves to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. However, it seems they might not be done just yet.

During his podcast "Saturday Sportsworld with Marc Stein" on 97.1, NBA Insider Marc Stein dropped some interesting insights into the Mavericks' potential pursuit of Phoenix Suns center DeAndre Ayton.

Stein revealed that the Mavericks have shown "exploratory" interest in free agent forward Derrick Jones Jr., but a signing isn't imminent. While Jones Jr. would be a valuable addition, it's the center position that has been the subject of much speculation.

The Mavericks have reportedly been linked to Ayton in trade talks since draft night, with the team even making an offer to the Suns that included players like Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, and JaVale McGee. However, the Suns turned down the deal at the time. Despite this initial setback, Stein believes that the situation might not be entirely closed as Dallas could go back to some of the trade talks from earlier this summer.

The interest in Ayton is not unfounded. The young center is a force to be reckoned with on the court, and his agent, Billy Duffy, also represents Mavs star Luka Doncic and rookie Olivier-Maxence Prosper. This connection could potentially reignite trade discussions between the two teams.

One factor that might have hindered the trade talks earlier was the Mavericks' cautious approach regarding their 2027 first-round pick. However, with Ayton's talent and potential, the Mavericks may reconsider their stance and explore possibilities to acquire the talented big man.

If the Suns continue to demand draft compensation, the Mavericks could potentially strike a deal with a different team before trading for Ayton. By consolidating their 2027 pick with other assets they snag in a separate trade, the Mavs could offer an enticing package for Ayton.

The domino effect of the offseason could also play a significant role in shaping the Mavericks' center position. Trade talks might yield different results as the season draws closer, and the Mavericks might explore other options beyond Ayton.

While nothing is certain in the ever-changing landscape of the NBA, the Mavericks' ambitious approach to building a competitive team and the allure of playing alongside Doncic may present an enticing proposition for Ayton.

As we eagerly await further developments, one thing is clear: the Mavericks are not shy about making bold moves to elevate their standing in the league.