NBA Rumors - Deandre Ayton likely headed to Dallas to join Luka Doncic

According to NBA insiders, who spoke to Bleacher Report, the Dallas Mavericks are interested in Deandre Ayton. This comes after Phoenix Suns failed to qualify for the play-in round. Except Luka Doncic, everyone on the team is reportedly open to trade negotiations. To improve their play, the Mavericks recognize the importance of strengthening their supporting cast around their Slovenian superstar.

The Phoenix Suns may be interested in trading Deandre Ayton off-season to improve their defensive weaknesses and lack of rim protection. Nevertheless, it's still unclear which team will sign Ayton. His trade interest by the Mavericks may have been overstated, according to reports, but they haven't made him their top priority.

Trade Rumors swirl around Deandre Ayton's future

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There are mixed opinions within the Mavericks organization regarding Deandre Ayton. While some fans believe in his potential, others are concerned about his ability to justify his substantial contract. Ayton's performance in the Western Conference semifinals against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets raised questions about his consistency and effort. His statistics dipped during the playoffs, and his lackluster showing led to queries about his "motor."

The Suns, who acquired Kevin Durant are aiming for a title contention window, and are expected to be active in the trade market to reconfigure their roster around Durant and Devin Booker. Ayton is among the players they may consider moving.

The addition of players like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Josh Green to the team's roster will greatly enhance the shooting capabilities of the Suns, ultimately making them a more formidable force on the court. With their presence, the floor will open up, providing valuable spacing for stars like Durant and Booker to exploit.

The team's offensive firepower will increase significantly, posing a greater challenge for opposing defenses. Additionally, the Suns could benefit from JaVale McGee's inclusion as he brings a lob-threat element to the center position.

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While trading away Ayton could be perceived as a risk, it is a move that the Suns could consider to solidify their position as a legitimate contender in the highly competitive Western Conference. Ayton, at just 24 years old, possesses an immense potential, making it a tough decision to part ways with him.

The Mavericks are eager to bounce back in the upcoming 2023–24 season after their disappointing campaign. However, given Deandre Ayton's hefty contract and the Suns' likely asking price, the Mavericks would need to have a strong belief in Ayton's potential impact on their team.