For the last six playoff-less weeks, Mavericks executives have played what Nico Harrison compared to the NBA’s version of a video game simulation.
They started draft preparation and discussions about free agency and trade scenarios immediately after the regular season ended with a mini-tank April 9, but they could never be certain they could include this year’s top-10 pick.
Wonder no longer.
The Mavericks received official confirmation during Tuesday night’s lottery drawing: The No. 10 overall pick remains theirs and the first-rounder will not convey to the New York Knicks to complete the January 2019 Kristaps Porzingis deal until at least next season.
Now the true pursuit to explore roster upgrades around Luka Doncic and, they hope, Kyrie Irving begins.
Here are three possible trade scenarios the Mavericks could consider with the No. 10 pick in the mix as the June 22 draft approaches.
Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
Position: Center
Age: 24
Contract: 3 years, $102 million remaining; 2026 free agent
Why it works for Dallas: On paper, who wouldn’t love to add the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft to a roster that already features gem-of-the-class Doncic, who went No. 3? Ayton averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds this past season and a double-double across his first five seasons with the Suns — production levels that would provide the most frontcourt boost of any center the Mavericks have employed since Doncic’s arrival.
Phoenix and its new ownership appear likely to move on from Ayton after another disappointing second-round playoff exit, and the connection between Ayton and Doncic’s agency representation — Bill Duffy’s BDA Sports Management — could help facilitate the new match.
Why it doesn’t work for Dallas: The Mavericks tried last summer to upgrade the center rotation over Dwight Powell, but JaVale McGee and Christian Wood failed to add consistent two-way contributions and gain the coaching staff’s trust. Ayton’s history won’t guarantee a smoother transition.
Ayton feuded with former Suns coach Monty Williams on multiple occasions, including during Dallas’ 2022 Game 7 blowout in Phoenix, and questions about his maturity and effort often overshadowed his statistical success. Plus, the Suns’ recent history shows little regard for top draft capital, so a Mavericks package centered on a top-10 pick may not be as enticing for a franchise aiming to contend for the 2024 NBA Finals.
OG Anunoby or Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
Anouby
Age: 25
Position: Small forward
Contract: Two years, $38.6 million remaining with $19.9 million player option in 2024-25
Siakam
Age: 29
Position: Forward
Contract: One year, $37.9 million remaining; 2024 free agent
Why it works for Dallas: The Mavericks finished 26th in defensive rating (116.1 points per 100 possessions) last season — 114.9 (24th) before the Irving trade and 118.4 (26th) afterward — and Harrison hasn’t disguised his desire to upgrade on defense with intuitive, standout role players who can help cover Doncic and Irving’s deficiencies.
Anunoby and Siakam are considered among the premier players at the NBA’s most valuable wing position, but the Raptors could decide to move one or both after flirting with the idea at the trade deadline, then missing the playoffs and parting with head coach Nick Nurse.
Anunoby, who averaged 16.8 points and a league-leading 1.9 steals per game this season, has drawn public praise from Doncic for being “probably one of the nicest dudes in the league.” Siakam just completed a season with career highs in scoring (24.2 points per game) and assists (5.8) while logging an NBA-high 37.4 minutes a game.
Three-team trade
Why it works for Dallas: Just look at the Los Angeles Lakers, who have replaced the 2022 Mavericks as upset Western Conference finalists after revamping their rotation with a three-team trade at the deadline in February. Rather than gamble their two tradeable first-round picks for a single, star-level player, the Lakers dealt only one first-rounder to help return multiple rotation contributors, including defensive specialist Jarred Vanderbilt and secondary ball handler D’Angelo Russell.
More than an additional superstar next to Doncic and free-agent-to-be Irving, the Mavericks need to fortify the roster with an influx of dependable role players who reflect the cohesion and balance that helped Doncic power their 53-win season and 2022 upset playoff run.
Why it doesn’t work for Dallas: Forecasting multiteam deals is too difficult to add much specificity — and sometimes too difficult to pull off. Additional teams involved in trades means additional obstacles to settle and additional chances the deal can fall through. Expect the Mavericks to explore all options as the front office acknowledges internal urgency to compete for championships, with Doncic entering his prime, and ensure this no-playoffs offseason is the last of Doncic’s tenure.
But don’t be shocked if the ideal trade scenario for the No. 10 pick requires time, patience and several iterations of negotiations.
Twitter: @CallieCaplan
Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
