NBA Rumors: Mavs’ big swing, Hornets locked in at No. 2, Russell talking too much

The latest NBA rumors have the Dallas Mavericks targeting a disgruntled star, the Charlotte Hornets favoring a prospect at No. 2, and D’Angelo Russell talking way too much. 

With the NBA Finals on the horizon, most NBA teams are focused on the summer ahead. The draft and free agency are mere weeks away and the rumor mill is buzzing. The new collective bargaining agreement will soon take effect, which means we could be in store for a busier offseason than normal.

The Dallas Mavericks reportedly have a trade target and a potential package in mind, the Charlotte Hornets are favoring a specific prospect with the No. 2 pick in June’s 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 rumors: Mavs’ biggest trade target, package revealed

According to Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to consider building a trade package around the No. 10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. That package could include names like Tim Hardaway Jr., Davis Bertans, and JaVale McGee — all of whom are under contract through 2025.

Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns is a name to watch. While Stein went on to state that Ayton is not the Mavs’ No. 1 trade target, he does have fans in the organization. Ayton was famously selected first overall in the 2018 draft, the same year Dallas traded up for Luka Doncic in the No. 3 spot.

Ayton is a tremendous talent, capable of influencing the game on both sides of the ball. His strength, footwork, and touch around the basket suggest star-level upside, but he struggled to exert a consistent influence over the game for Phoenix last season. His rocky relationship with Monty Williams and his lackluster effort in the playoffs could turn some Dallas fans off.

That being said, Ayton has every physical gift at his disposal and he fits hand-in-glove with Luka Doncic on paper. Plus, the Mavs desperately need size in the frontcourt.