2. Mavericks swing for Deandre Ayton as Suns get depth
The Mavs have been rumored to be interested in Ayton for months. Would the former number-one overall pick want to be the third option in Dallas? He shares an agent with Luka Doncic, and the two know each other well. They could form a dynamic pick-and-roll duo that would help Ayton get plenty of easy buckets.
Would the Suns prefer a future first-round pick or Maxi Kleber in this deal? Phoenix appears all-in on right now and exceeding the second tax apron will severely limit their ability to make trades. They might want a role player to use right now over a pick that is years away.
Tim Hardaway Jr. would give them a sharpshooting sixth man that could help space the floor. Maxi Kleber is a versatile big man that was massive when Dallas upset Phoenix in the second round of the playoffs in 2022. JaVale McGee is a solid backup big man that would be returning to the Suns and playing under Frank Vogel again.
The Phoenix Suns should be searching hard for a move like this. Yes, they are not getting maximum value on Deandre Ayton, but this trade gives them depth and a chance to compete for a championship next season.