After the firing of Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, groups are probably licking their chops at potential trades to reap the benefits of the chaos surrounding the franchise. One group that positively ought to is the Los Angeles Lakers.
That may be ironic contemplating that their February acquisition of famous person Luka Doncic from the Mavericks threw Dallas into chaos. It additionally led to Harrison’s eventual ouster.
Now, the Lakers may return to the scene of the crime by making an attempt to get one of many Mavericks’ many probably accessible belongings. Clearly the 2 most interesting choices could be Kyrie Irving or former Laker Anthony Davis.
Nonetheless, they could not have sufficient entry to commerce for both. Then once more, with damage and age issues, each of their commerce values is likely to be depressed.
That would assist the Lakers probably put collectively a comparatively aggressive provide. Extra probably, nevertheless, they may goal middle Daniel Gafford.
The Lakers should commerce with the Mavericks once more
He won’t be the flashiest piece the Mavericks may commerce, however he may very well be a stable buy-low possibility for the Lakers trying to solidify the middle place. At present they’ve Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, each of whom have performed a stable job of turning a serious adverse right into a minor constructive for Los Angeles.
Higher nonetheless, the Lakers may probably pry Gafford from Dallas utilizing certainly one of their many expiring contracts. Maxi Kleber and Dalton Knecht, plus a 2032 second-round decide, may probably be a viable commerce bundle.
Including him would be certain that the Lakers have a reliable middle core after final season, once they struggled to fill out the place after buying and selling Davis. Actually, Gafford thrived enjoying alongside Doncic in Dallas and suits his most popular mildew of a lob risk at middle.
With the Western Convention affected by high facilities similar to Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Davis, and Alperen Sengun, having three NBA facilities is certainly higher than two. Gafford is a succesful rim protector and rebounder, including worth on protection.
From the Mavericks’ perspective, they could need to clear the books with a looming fireplace sale. Gafford has one other three years and $40.4 million remaining on his contract. Opting to commerce him for an expiring contract and a second-round decide may very well be a smart determination for them in the event that they select to pursue that path.
The Lakers ought to actually hope so as a result of they may land a rotation participant with expertise enjoying alongside Doncic for reasonable.
