2022-23 Season Discussion and Review - the Blockbuster trade and playoff downfall

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

I wonder what our counter strategy will be if they employ a "hack a Biyombo" strategy in the postseason If Ayton gets in foul trouble?

[Hitachi77]

Read on Twitter

I wonder what our counter strategy will be if they employ a "hack a Biyombo" strategy in the postseason If Ayton gets in foul trouble?

Easy, play Landale, or better yet KD at the 5.

[bwgood77]

Could Mavs Acquire Suns Star Deandre Ayton in Offseason Trade?

Spoiler:

From Sports Illustrated: MATTHEW LEGROSMAR 24, 2023 11:38 AM ED

This latest bold trade scenario sends Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and future draft picks.

The Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns are currently nestled in playoff positioning, separated by 2.5 games in the Western Conference Standings with nine games remaining in the regular season. The two franchises executed groundbreaking trades at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, bolstering their championship aspirations.

The Brooklyn Nets traded superstar Kevin Durant to Phoenix and fellow 2023 All-Star Kyrie Irving to Dallas. Looking past the postseason to what should be an exciting summer, NBAanalysis.net conjured up a bold trade scenario that sends Suns star Deandre Ayton to the Mavericks in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and two future first round picks, saying:

"Some will suggest that this is a foolish deal for the Suns. They just acquired Kevin Durant – are we sure this deal makes them better right now?

Not entirely. At the same time, it does feel like a possibility. The Suns could use a more dynamic guard with their second unit. Hardaway Jr. provides them with one.

Moreover, Kleber is a useful player too. He can space the floor and defend in space. If the Suns can retain or replace Bismack Biyombo in free agency, they’ll have a solid platoon at the 5.

Moving Ayton for Hardaway Jr. and Kleber -- who are owed a combined $28.8 million next season -- would save the Suns about $3.6 million and keep them from a tax bill by the skin of their teeth. Not to mention, they’d get two future first-round picks that could become more valuable down the road if Luka Doncic ever decides to leave Dallas.

As for the Mavericks, they could potentially have over $25 million in cap space for next season, depending on how the Irving free agency goes, and that number only grows season-over-season, giving them the leeway to bring Ayton into the fold.

Aside from the money, Phoenix would be sacrificing one of the premiere pick-and-roll finishers in the league for a sharpshooting center and a steady offensive weapon. While neither of the added draft picks (2025, 2027) are protected, a Suns team with championship-or-bust expectations may value win-now assets over future talent, especially those that complement reliable offense with capable defense.

Conversely, Ayton would change the complexion of the Mavericks while retaining their superstar duo of Irving and Luka Doncic. Both Doncic (No. 4) and Irving (No. 16) are among the NBA's elite in pick-and-roll scoring as facilitators. Adding Ayton -- who is No. 3 league wide among all screen-setters in pick-and-roll offense -- would render Dallas' potent attack virtually unguardable.

Any need for offseason trades will be largely contingent upon the outcome of the 2023 playoffs, win or lose.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Could Mavs Acquire Suns Star Deandre Ayton in Offseason Trade?

Spoiler:

From Sports Illustrated: MATTHEW LEGROSMAR 24, 2023 11:38 AM ED

This latest bold trade scenario sends Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and future draft picks.

The Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns are currently nestled in playoff positioning, separated by 2.5 games in the Western Conference Standings with nine games remaining in the regular season. The two franchises executed groundbreaking trades at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, bolstering their championship aspirations.

The Brooklyn Nets traded superstar Kevin Durant to Phoenix and fellow 2023 All-Star Kyrie Irving to Dallas. Looking past the postseason to what should be an exciting summer, NBAanalysis.net conjured up a bold trade scenario that sends Suns star Deandre Ayton to the Mavericks in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and two future first round picks, saying:

"Some will suggest that this is a foolish deal for the Suns. They just acquired Kevin Durant – are we sure this deal makes them better right now?

Not entirely. At the same time, it does feel like a possibility. The Suns could use a more dynamic guard with their second unit. Hardaway Jr. provides them with one.

Moreover, Kleber is a useful player too. He can space the floor and defend in space. If the Suns can retain or replace Bismack Biyombo in free agency, they’ll have a solid platoon at the 5.

Moving Ayton for Hardaway Jr. and Kleber -- who are owed a combined $28.8 million next season -- would save the Suns about $3.6 million and keep them from a tax bill by the skin of their teeth. Not to mention, they’d get two future first-round picks that could become more valuable down the road if Luka Doncic ever decides to leave Dallas.

As for the Mavericks, they could potentially have over $25 million in cap space for next season, depending on how the Irving free agency goes, and that number only grows season-over-season, giving them the leeway to bring Ayton into the fold.

Aside from the money, Phoenix would be sacrificing one of the premiere pick-and-roll finishers in the league for a sharpshooting center and a steady offensive weapon. While neither of the added draft picks (2025, 2027) are protected, a Suns team with championship-or-bust expectations may value win-now assets over future talent, especially those that complement reliable offense with capable defense.

Conversely, Ayton would change the complexion of the Mavericks while retaining their superstar duo of Irving and Luka Doncic. Both Doncic (No. 4) and Irving (No. 16) are among the NBA's elite in pick-and-roll scoring as facilitators. Adding Ayton -- who is No. 3 league wide among all screen-setters in pick-and-roll offense -- would render Dallas' potent attack virtually unguardable.

Any need for offseason trades will be largely contingent upon the outcome of the 2023 playoffs, win or lose.

Yeah!

I saw this the other day, but didn't share it because it seems pretty short in terms of value and unrealistic that we'd trade Ayton to a conference rival making them stronger. Especially the freaking Mavs who we loathe and have a contemptuous rivalry with! Given that we're intending to contend with Durant during his time here. I really doubt we'd consider trading Ayton to any Western conference team!

[RaisingArizona]

Could Mavs Acquire Suns Star Deandre Ayton in Offseason Trade?

Spoiler:

From Sports Illustrated: MATTHEW LEGROSMAR 24, 2023 11:38 AM ED

This latest bold trade scenario sends Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and future draft picks.

The Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns are currently nestled in playoff positioning, separated by 2.5 games in the Western Conference Standings with nine games remaining in the regular season. The two franchises executed groundbreaking trades at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, bolstering their championship aspirations.

The Brooklyn Nets traded superstar Kevin Durant to Phoenix and fellow 2023 All-Star Kyrie Irving to Dallas. Looking past the postseason to what should be an exciting summer, NBAanalysis.net conjured up a bold trade scenario that sends Suns star Deandre Ayton to the Mavericks in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and two future first round picks, saying:

"Some will suggest that this is a foolish deal for the Suns. They just acquired Kevin Durant – are we sure this deal makes them better right now?

Not entirely. At the same time, it does feel like a possibility. The Suns could use a more dynamic guard with their second unit. Hardaway Jr. provides them with one.

Moreover, Kleber is a useful player too. He can space the floor and defend in space. If the Suns can retain or replace Bismack Biyombo in free agency, they’ll have a solid platoon at the 5.

Moving Ayton for Hardaway Jr. and Kleber -- who are owed a combined $28.8 million next season -- would save the Suns about $3.6 million and keep them from a tax bill by the skin of their teeth. Not to mention, they’d get two future first-round picks that could become more valuable down the road if Luka Doncic ever decides to leave Dallas.

As for the Mavericks, they could potentially have over $25 million in cap space for next season, depending on how the Irving free agency goes, and that number only grows season-over-season, giving them the leeway to bring Ayton into the fold.

Aside from the money, Phoenix would be sacrificing one of the premiere pick-and-roll finishers in the league for a sharpshooting center and a steady offensive weapon. While neither of the added draft picks (2025, 2027) are protected, a Suns team with championship-or-bust expectations may value win-now assets over future talent, especially those that complement reliable offense with capable defense.

Conversely, Ayton would change the complexion of the Mavericks while retaining their superstar duo of Irving and Luka Doncic. Both Doncic (No. 4) and Irving (No. 16) are among the NBA's elite in pick-and-roll scoring as facilitators. Adding Ayton -- who is No. 3 league wide among all screen-setters in pick-and-roll offense -- would render Dallas' potent attack virtually unguardable.

Any need for offseason trades will be largely contingent upon the outcome of the 2023 playoffs, win or lose.

Yeah!

I saw this the other day, but didn't share it because it seems pretty short in terms of value and unrealistic that we'd trade Ayton to a conference rival making them stronger. Especially the freaking Mavs who we loathe and have a contemptuous rivalry with! Given that we're intending to contend with Durant during his time here. I really doubt we'd consider trading Ayton to any Western conference team!

Ugh. Yeah, unless it somehow replenishes the draft pick cabinet, I am out on this proposal. Would rather ship him to Toronto or something like that

[Frank Lee]

Foolish to deal him
Give him a solid half season w KD at least

Cant keep bankrupting the future to make up for the past. Take the lumps…. For now. Might not be what MattyIsh has planned though. Who knows who has his ear.

[bigfoot]

Wonder what our bench rotation is gonna be in the playoffs. Warren and Ross can get buckets for the bench.

[sunsbum]

Foolish to deal him
Give him a solid half season w KD at least

Cant keep bankrupting the future to make up for the past. Take the lumps…. For now. Might not be what MattyIsh has planned though. Who knows who has his ear.

this sounds like "two more weeks". Ayton is who he is, hes not going to put up better numbers with KD around.

[sunsbg]

Foolish to deal him
Give him a solid half season w KD at least

Cant keep bankrupting the future to make up for the past. Take the lumps…. For now. Might not be what MattyIsh has planned though. Who knows who has his ear.

this sounds like "two more weeks". Ayton is who he is, hes not going to put up better numbers with KD around.

With KD on board Suns need good D from Ayton, not better numbers. When KD is not playing Ayton's scoring becomes important as we have seen lately.

[sunsbum]

Foolish to deal him
Give him a solid half season w KD at least

Cant keep bankrupting the future to make up for the past. Take the lumps…. For now. Might not be what MattyIsh has planned though. Who knows who has his ear.

this sounds like "two more weeks". Ayton is who he is, hes not going to put up better numbers with KD around.

With KD on board Suns need good D from Ayton, not better numbers. When KD is not playing Ayton's scoring becomes important as we have seen lately.

Yea we should lower our expectations out of him even more. as long as he plays solid D lol. like, that's where we're at now?

[sunsbg]

this sounds like "two more weeks". Ayton is who he is, hes not going to put up better numbers with KD around.

With KD on board Suns need good D from Ayton, not better numbers. When KD is not playing Ayton's scoring becomes important as we have seen lately.

Yea we should lower our expectations out of him even more. as long as he plays solid D lol. like, that's where we're at now?

Just telling you there is more than just putting numbers.

[sunsbg]

Watching Bucks Nuggets game. Odd to see Bucks end with 20 FTs, the amount Giannis gets on his own playing against the Suns. Contact with Gordon under the basket - no call, drive against Jokic without barreling into him as he knows he won't get same call as vs say Ayton. Barrels into some defender, but gets called for a travel. Different experience for him than when playing the Suns.

[garrick]

Could Mavs Acquire Suns Star Deandre Ayton in Offseason Trade?

Spoiler:

From Sports Illustrated: MATTHEW LEGROSMAR 24, 2023 11:38 AM ED

This latest bold trade scenario sends Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and future draft picks.

The Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns are currently nestled in playoff positioning, separated by 2.5 games in the Western Conference Standings with nine games remaining in the regular season. The two franchises executed groundbreaking trades at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, bolstering their championship aspirations.

The Brooklyn Nets traded superstar Kevin Durant to Phoenix and fellow 2023 All-Star Kyrie Irving to Dallas. Looking past the postseason to what should be an exciting summer, NBAanalysis.net conjured up a bold trade scenario that sends Suns star Deandre Ayton to the Mavericks in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and two future first round picks, saying:

"Some will suggest that this is a foolish deal for the Suns. They just acquired Kevin Durant – are we sure this deal makes them better right now?

Not entirely. At the same time, it does feel like a possibility. The Suns could use a more dynamic guard with their second unit. Hardaway Jr. provides them with one.

Moreover, Kleber is a useful player too. He can space the floor and defend in space. If the Suns can retain or replace Bismack Biyombo in free agency, they’ll have a solid platoon at the 5.

Moving Ayton for Hardaway Jr. and Kleber -- who are owed a combined $28.8 million next season -- would save the Suns about $3.6 million and keep them from a tax bill by the skin of their teeth. Not to mention, they’d get two future first-round picks that could become more valuable down the road if Luka Doncic ever decides to leave Dallas.

As for the Mavericks, they could potentially have over $25 million in cap space for next season, depending on how the Irving free agency goes, and that number only grows season-over-season, giving them the leeway to bring Ayton into the fold.

Aside from the money, Phoenix would be sacrificing one of the premiere pick-and-roll finishers in the league for a sharpshooting center and a steady offensive weapon. While neither of the added draft picks (2025, 2027) are protected, a Suns team with championship-or-bust expectations may value win-now assets over future talent, especially those that complement reliable offense with capable defense.

Conversely, Ayton would change the complexion of the Mavericks while retaining their superstar duo of Irving and Luka Doncic. Both Doncic (No. 4) and Irving (No. 16) are among the NBA's elite in pick-and-roll scoring as facilitators. Adding Ayton -- who is No. 3 league wide among all screen-setters in pick-and-roll offense -- would render Dallas' potent attack virtually unguardable.

Any need for offseason trades will be largely contingent upon the outcome of the 2023 playoffs, win or lose.

Yeah!

I saw this the other day, but didn't share it because it seems pretty short in terms of value and unrealistic that we'd trade Ayton to a conference rival making them stronger. Especially the freaking Mavs who we loathe and have a contemptuous rivalry with! Given that we're intending to contend with Durant during his time here. I really doubt we'd consider trading Ayton to any Western conference team!

This makes us significantly worse and only provides us with a couple non lottery first round draft picks.

Isbia is not stupid enough to take this deal right?

[Frank Lee]

Isiah may be

I would not be surprised to see valid interest in DLo. May be there’s a sign and trade for CP possibility? GrandPaul wouldnt be butthurt playing with his reacharound buddy LBron… DLo becomes the third wheel here??

Something needs to change

[sunsbg]

Mavs look so sorry. Starting to worry they'll luck into Wemby.

[Saberestar]

Mavs look so sorry. Starting to worry they'll luck into Wemby.

17 points down early, but it's a long game.

I am gonna watch it, Doncic looks frustrated.

[sunsbg]

Mavs look so sorry. Starting to worry they'll luck into Wemby.

17 points down early, but it's a long game.

I am gonna watch it, Doncic looks frustrated.

They were down big last game too, made comeback end of 3rd, but still lost. Now showed some pride and Luka hit 3s to get them back in 2nd, but there is clearly something wrong off the court with this team. In Suns best interest for the future is they win some games, lose in the play in, send their pick to the Knicks and Irving leaves for nothing. Though I guess they sign him and do a trade, hopefully not for Ayton as I'd hate Kyrie here despite his great talent.

[BobbieL]

Wonder what our bench rotation is gonna be in the playoffs. Warren and Ross can get buckets for the bench.

I think I start Okogie with Durant but Shamet might be a good though. Landry can play decent defense and would get open looks

Second unit would be Payne Ross Craig Warren and Okogie or Shamet .. plus book or durant

[Iceman36]

Mavs look so sorry. Starting to worry they'll luck into Wemby.

Doncic with Irving and Wood. Any more questions? More toxic is nearly impossible...

[Sunlight]

And people here was all in for Irving and trade Ayton.