Report: Dallas Mavericks linked to Deandre Ayton in ‘down-the-road’ situation

On the final day of January, a big move prior to the trade deadline has yet to take place in the NBA. However, fireworks could still happen before Feb. 9.

According to one recent report, the Dallas Mavericks have some interest in Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton. With that in mind, NBA insider Tim MacMahon did add that if a Mavs move for Ayton were to take place, it would likely be further down the line.

“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.”

As fans know well, the Mavs are in an enviable but precarious situation at the moment. They currently have one of the best players in the entire league on their roster in Luka Doncic. However, there seems to be a growing sense that Doncic wants more talent on the Mavs roster alongside him.

It is unclear if acquiring Ayton alone would be enough to satisfy Doncic, but it would certainly seem like a move in the right direction for the Mavs.

Interestingly, there was a time during the summer when it looked like Ayton would no longer be playing in Phoenix. As a restricted free agent, he signed a massive offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers. At first, it was unclear if the Suns planned to match the offer sheet, but they quickly did and managed to retain the former No. 1 overall pick.

The big man is having another solid season. He’s averaging 17.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game so far this campaign.

Right now, the Mavs and Suns are right next to one another in the Western Conference standings. The Mavs sit in the No. 6 spot with a 27-25 record, and the Suns are right behind them with the same record. Dallas currently holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.

It will be interesting to see if either team decides to make a move prior to the upcoming trade deadline. It’ll also be worth keeping an eye on Ayton’s future to see if he eventually lands somewhere new.