3 contenders that badly need a trade before the deadline

Dallas Mavericks: Getting Luka Doncic much-needed help.

After making a run to the Western Conference Finals last season, the Mavericks are now fighting to keep their play-in spot. Dallas currently ranks 8th in the West with a 26-25 record, which would be much worse if not for the historic play of Luka Doncic.

The lack of shot creation around Doncic has always been an issue for the Mavs. And after losing Jalen Brunson to the New York Knicks over the summer, it has become an absolute necessity to add offensive talent around Luka. Otherwise, the team has no chance of making it beyond the second round of the playoffs at best. Here is a trade that could at least make things much easier for Doncic moving forward.

Acquiring a big man in Ayton instead of a playmaking guard or forward will not fix the lack of shot creation. However, in a game that’s become positionless, Ayton’s value as a shot creator has never been fully explored, which I think Dallas could change.

Ayton has developed a solid post-up game and even has some ability outside of the post, shooting about 43% from the mid-range on 160 attempts for the season. The Suns have become fairly successful when they run the offense through him. It would be a very smart move for the Mavericks to land him a price that guarantees the deal will be worth it regardless of what level Ayton reaches.

As for Phoenix, Ayton has seemed unhappy ever since the Suns showed hesitancy in offering him a contract extension before the start of last season. Moving on may be best for both parties depending on what the Suns can get in return. Offensively, Wood has had a similar statistical season to Ayton’s and would be a better fit in Phoenix’s offense as a floor spacer. Bullock and McGee would be nice additions as well despite both having down years this season.