Inside the Rumor Mill: Assessing Ayton, the #10 Pick, and Kyrie’s Future with the Mavericks
Editors note: This article was rewritten from a post on Mavsboard.com by hall-of-fame poster DanSchwartzgan.
In the world of basketball, trade rumors and draft speculations keep fans on their toes. As an avid follower of the Dallas Mavericks, I recently delved into news and rumors from various markets to gain a fresh perspective. It’s fascinating to see how different ideas and opinions can influence our understanding of the team’s core position. In this blog post, I’ll discuss some intriguing possibilities surrounding players like Ayton, the potential #10 pick, and the future of Kyrie Irving. Let’s explore these scenarios and how they might shape the Dallas Mavericks’ roster.
Ayton Trade Talks
The Ayton trade chatter has gained momentum, and from my research, it appears increasingly likely. Notably, the Eric Pincus proposal seems to be drawing closer. In Phoenix, there seems to be a belief that there will be a market for Ayton. One source even mentioned a potential trade package involving a starter, a young player, and a pick. From a salary matching perspective, the most plausible two-team deal involves THJ/McGee and Green, with Pincus suggesting the inclusion of the #10 pick. Negotiations are already surfacing in the media, indicating that this potential deal is far from settled. However, it’s important to note that any package sent to Phoenix must offer them a path to acquire a center in return.
The #10 Pick and Trade Downs
There has been plenty of speculation about the Mavericks’ willingness to trade down from the #10 pick, potentially as a means of alleviating salary concerns. When planning the team’s budget to accommodate two starters, dead money can become a significant obstacle. If Kyrie Irving stays, we could explore the possibility of adding Bertans to the roster, given the available budget of $180 million. However, if Irving leaves and we aim to execute a sign-and-trade deal, the budget would decrease by $10 million, making the $4.4 million price tag for Bertans less favorable. Additionally, the value derived from the #10 pick might not outweigh its $5 million cost for the next season or two. Consequently, it seems plausible for Dallas to consider trading down and acquiring multiple picks. Several teams, including Utah, Brooklyn, and Indiana, present logical trade partners. However, the ability to absorb salary is equally crucial, with San Antonio and Brooklyn emerging as potential destinations. If Claxton is involved in a trade for #10, one proposal could involve Green remaining with Dallas, while Brooklyn takes Reggie and McGee, generating a $15.4 million trade exception for the Mavericks.
Kyrie Irving’s Future
When assessing Kyrie Irving’s future, I’m inclined to believe that he will end up in Los Angeles through a double sign-and-trade deal. In this scenario, Dallas would acquire D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and a 2029 draft pick. Comparing the incoming players to the outgoing assets, D’Angelo Russell could be viewed as a replacement for Spencer Dinwiddie, while Rui Hachimura would fill the role previously occupied by Dorian Finney-Smith. Additionally, both incoming players would provide youth at positions where we lost experience. Mentally, I’ve explored the possibility of fitting Jarred Vanderbilt into this slot for salary and defensive purposes. However, if Ayton joins the team, the power forward position cannot be filled by Vanderbilt alone; we would need someone with outside shooting capabilities. Interestingly, Rui Hachimura boasts better net numbers as a small forward, implying that closing lineups could consist of Ayton, Maxi, and Rui. While not ideal, this potential lineup, including D’Angelo Russell, aligns better with Luka Dončić’s timeline than the previous iteration with Kyrie Irving, and we acquire two players for the price of Kyrie.
Finalizing the Trades
To summarize the potential trades, the following moves could occur at the draft:
- Brooklyn Nets receive #10 pick, Reggie, and McGee, and send Claxton and the #22 pick.
- Phoenix Suns receive THJ and Claxton in exchange for Ayton.
- Dallas Mavericks acquire Ayton and the #22 pick by parting with THJ, Reggie, McGee, and the #10 pick.
Importantly, this trade does not solely aim at salary dumping; it focuses on acquiring talent.
The Future Roster
If Kyrie Irving leaves and we execute the aforementioned trades, our roster would look as follows:
Starting lineup: Ayton, Powell, Rui, Maxi, Luka
Bench: Trade/Sign, Green, Hardy
Additionally, we would have the #22 pick and available minimum contract signings to complete the team. There’s also the possibility of exploring a sign-and-trade deal with Christian Wood or utilizing a trade exception, along with the additional assets gained from the 2027 and LA’s 2029 draft picks (and the #22 pick) to facilitate future trades. The MLE (mid-level exception) we acquire would depend on the aforementioned trade and the contracts given to Rui, Powell, and D’Angelo Russell. It’s crucial to remain mindful of the first apron regarding S&Ts from Los Angeles, as we cannot exceed it.
Conclusion
As the draft approaches, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves at a crossroads, considering potential trades and roster adjustments. The speculation surrounding Ayton, the potential trade down from the #10 pick, and the future of Kyrie Irving has generated excitement among fans. While these scenarios remain speculative, they offer a glimpse into the intricate web of trade possibilities and roster construction that teams navigate. As we eagerly anticipate the draft, free agency, and the subsequent moves by the Dallas Mavericks, only time will reveal which paths they choose to embark on in their pursuit of success.
