The latest NBA rumors are that the Dallas Mavericks are targeting a disgruntled superstar, the Charlotte Hornets favor a second-ranked prospect, and D’Angelo Russell speaks volumes.
With the NBA Finals approaching, most of the NBA teams are focusing on the upcoming summer. The Bill and free agency are only weeks away, and the rumor mill is booming. A new collective bargaining agreement will go into effect soon, which means we may be in for a busier season than usual.
The Dallas Mavericks are said to have a potential trade target and package in mind, the Charlotte Hornets favor a definite prospect with the No. 2 pick in the June NBA draft, and D’Angelo Russell showed a serious lack of self-awareness after the Lakers’ loss to Denver on Monday.
Let’s get you up to speed on the latest happenings around the NBA.
NBA rumours: The package revealed the Mavs’ biggest business target
According to Mark SteinThe Dallas Mavericks are expected to consider building a trade package around the No. 10 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. This package can include names like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Davis Bertans and JaVale McGee — all under contract through 2025.
Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns is a name to watch. While Stein went on to say that Ayton is no The Mavs’ No. 1 business target, he has fans in the organization. Ayton was selected first overall in the 2018 draft, the same year that Dallas was traded for Luka Doncic at number three.
Ayton is a tremendous talent, able to influence the game on both sides of the ball. His strength, footwork, and touch around the basket point to a stellar high, but he struggled to exert a consistent impact on the game for Phoenix last season. His rocky relationship with Monty Williams and lackluster efforts in the playoffs may turn some Dallas fans off.
However, Ayton has every physical gift at his disposal and he fits the gauntlet with Luka Doncic on paper. Plus, the Mavs are desperate for volume in the frontcourt.