NBA Rumors: Dallas Mavericks could land Deandre Ayton in 2024
The Dallas Mavericks have their eyes set on improving their roster in the offseason, and Deandre Ayton is reportedly one of the top players they're looking to pursue.
Dallas has been looking for a decent big man since it traded for Luka Doncic in the 2018 NBA draft. They've experimented with some bigs, but haven't been successful in that regard.
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Earlier this year, it was reported that the Mavs wanted to pursue a double-double machine. Ayton's name was specifically mentioned by ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
"He’s a name that I’ve heard around the Mavericks," MacMahon said of Ayton. "And again, I think that would have to be a later-than-right-now type of situation. … I think that’s more than likely a down-the-road conversation."
The Mavs know exactly what Ayton is capable of, having faced off against him and the Suns en route to the 2022 Western Conference Finals.
You might also be interested in reading this: Deandre Ayton “speechless” about Phoenix Suns acquiring Kevin Durant: “Ain’t that something?”
The Mavs' pursuit of Deandre Ayton depends on the Suns' success this postseason
Last year, the Suns were eliminated by the Mavericks in the second round of the playoffs. Deandre Ayton's future with the team was up in the air and it wasn't until the front office matched the offer given by the Indiana Pacers that Ayton was guaranteed to remain in Phoenix.
The Suns now have the potential to make it back to the Finals after acquiring Kevin Durant at the trade deadline. However, if they fail to live up to expectations, the front office could shake things up and Ayton's future could be in jeopardy again.
If that happens, the Mavs could swoop in with some offers. But if the Suns make it all the way to the Finals this year, the Mavs may have to start looking for other big men in the offseason.
Also read: “We've been embarrassed the last two years ” – Deandre Ayton sounds determined to triumph this season after beating Lakers