Mavericks rumors: Dallas denied when trying to trade for star center

The Dallas Mavericks’ biggest need this offseason was adding rim protection according to Mark Cuban.

They started that process just a few hours after Cuban said that, as they drafted Dereck Lively II with the No. 12 pick in the draft and traded for Richaun Holmes from the Kings, but that didn’t seem to be enough for the Mavericks.

Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report spoke about a recent trade offer from the Mavericks that got denied that would have brought in a top-10 big in the NBA.

“Not too long ago, the Dallas Mavericks made a play for Deandre Ayton…It was not approved. The Phoenix Suns didn’t feel like it was an adequate enough package to make that deal.”

Haynes said that this offer was within the last few days and that Phoenix has moved on and wants to keep Ayton. Things could change quickly as this is just rumors at this point, but the first offer from the Mavericks wasn’t up to the Suns’ standards. Maybe Dallas could try again in the future, but for right now, it looks like Ayton is going to be on the Suns next season.

Ayton averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks for the Suns last season. But during the playoffs, his numbers fell to 13.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. There were times when he didn’t look like he wanted to be there, and he didn’t look locked in.

There were also rumors that former head coach Monty Williams didn’t like Ayton. The Suns hired Frank Vogel to be their new head coach, but the drama in the past with Ayton may end his career in Phoenix.

Dallas would offer Ayton a fresh start and allow him to put his past with the Suns behind him. There’s also a chance that Ayton will be upset by a decreased role and request a trade at some point next season. His future in Phoenix seems rocky, regardless of what reports say.

Stay tuned to see if the Mavericks make another offer for Ayton and if the Suns trade him. Free agency starts on June 30, and we’ll have you covered with all the rumors and news surrounding the Mavericks.