The Suns & Mavericks Are Purportedly Involved In Deandre Ayton’s Transaction
The Suns were expected to trade Deandre Ayton for depth to complement their big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. However, that sense has subsided since the Draft.
The Suns were expected to trade Deandre Ayton for depth to complement their big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. However, that sense has subsided since the Draft.
According to Marc Stein‘s Tuesday email, they nearly struck a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Seemingly, JaVale McGee was the reason it got stuck.
According to insiders, The Stein Line was told that the Suns avoided including JaVale McGee in the proposed trade, which would have sent Ayton to Dallas in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, and McGee. It is currently unknown if the discussions can be revived.
Later, Stein stated that, due to league regulations, Holmes could not be traded in another transaction so rapidly. This trade could only occur by extending the Mavericks‘ dealings with the Kings to include the Kings and the third club to acquire Holmes.
The main lesson is that this proves Ayton has no actual market.
Since the trade deadline, particularly during the draft build-up, Phoenix has been attempting to deal with the former No. 1 selection, who has been selected two places ahead of the Mavericks’ Luka Doncic. This player averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game while exhibiting an erratic defensive presence.
Other clubs declined after considering Ayton’s performance and the $102 million guaranteed over the following three years. Ayton is a good player, but organizations believe they can have 80% of their output for a far lower price.
Due to their need for a center and more quality surrounding Doncic, Dallas was one of the few clubs prepared to take a chance on a deal of this nature.
The deal’s failure pressures new Suns coach Frank Vogel to develop Ayton into the defensive anchor Phoenix needs and keep him interested when he is the fourth offensive option and receives few touches. That could be one of his most challenging coaching problems this year.
Unless Phoenix ultimately trades Ayton, this deal has a second chance.
