After a disastrous begin to the 2025-26 season, rumor has it that the Dallas Mavericks are open to buying and selling heart Daniel Gafford. If true, then he could be an interesting commerce goal for a lot of groups, particularly playoff groups hoping to discover a proficient massive man who can go block pictures and catch alley-oops.
That’s the place the Los Angeles Lakers ought to are available in. The Lakers already heisted the Mavericks‘ final commerce deadline once they traded Anthony Davis and Mass Christie for Luka Doncic, and they need to return to the scene of the crime to attempt to purchase Gafford.
Whereas the Lakers‘ heart rotation is way improved due to Deandre Ayton, they might use a 3rd massive man. Gafford would match the invoice and will probably substitute Jaxson Hayes within the rotation, giving them a strong increase and solidifying their weakest place.
The Los Angeles Lakers needs to be focused on Daniel Gafford
That would show to be a sensible transfer given what number of proficient facilities there are within the Western Convention. From Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun, Victor Wembanyama, and the aforementioned Davis, the Lakers want as many expert massive males as doable to make sure they’ve a solution to these stars.
Whereas many Mavs followers are probably in opposition to the thought of one other commerce with the Lakers, the Mavericks could be keen to hear to a different deal. In any case, Dallas has a really top-heavy entrance court docket rotation with Gafford, Davis, Derek Energetic, and Cooper Flagg.
Whereas Flagg has performed level guard this season, given how disastrous that has gone for Dallas, he could also be reverting again to energy ahead within the close to future. That will increase the necessity to clear up enjoying time for him there, and Gafford minutes could also be moved in consequence.
What would a commerce for Daniel Gafford seem like for the Lakers?
One potential commerce package deal might see the Lakers ship out former Mavs massive man Maxi Kleber, in addition to 2024 first-round choice Dalton Knecht and a 2032 second-round choose for Gafford. That may not be what Mavs followers would count on so far as return worth.
Nonetheless, it’d truly be interesting to Dallas contemplating they’re solely round $3 million below the second apron this season. This transfer would not save them wage this season, however Gafford has $44.2 million remaining on his contract over the following three seasons.
This deal might save them round $40 million throughout that span, serving to them enhance their monetary flexibility to construct round Flagg. Finally, if the Mavericks are recreation, then the Lakers should not hesitate to shore up their heart rotation by touchdown Gafford.
