The Los Angeles Lakers still have a center problem and may look to Luka Doncic’s old teammate, Daniel Gafford, to solve it. The 6’10 big man was the Mavericks’ starting center during their 2024 run to the NBA Finals, but he is at ease off the bench. Acquiring him would ensure that the Lakers have a lob threat and rim protector on the court for the full 48 minutes.
Dallas has an abundance of big men. Dereck Lively and Gafford are locked in at five. It drops Anthony Davis to fourth and Cooper Flagg to third. It almost guarantees that PJ Washington will come off the bench, and many frontcourt players will be disappointed by their diminished playing time.
There just aren’t enough minutes for everyone. The Mavericks have only one reliable guard and sorely need a trade to balance their lineup.
Gafford got a three-year, $54.4 million contract deal this offseason. He’s locked up till 2029 and thrives on Luka’s lobs. The two might rejoin in Los Angeles, but the Lakers will have to give up a first-round draft selection and help Dallas solve its biggest problem if they want to make this trade happen.
The Lakers should offer this trade deal for Daniel Gafford.
LA is all in on building around Luka, but they require two pieces. Jaxson Hayes should not be in the rotation of a title contender, and the Lakers require a perimeter defensive stopper to fill out their squad.
This agreement may allow them to resolve both difficulties.
The Mavericks traded a first-round draft selection for Gafford at the 2024 trade deadline, and he immediately helped them reach the NBA Finals. Dallas will demand more in exchange for moving him, and the Lakers are capable of meeting that demand.
Because of the numerous moving aspects in this transaction, a third team is required. Here’s a closer look at the five-player exchange that almost guarantees Gafford will wear purple and gold.
Landing Gafford would let him and Ayton play in shorter stints. Keeping the big men fresh while carrying a heavy defensive load would be extremely beneficial. The Lakers receive a long-term solution at the position and would not be concerned about Ayton’s future.
The Mavericks acquire the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2031 as well as a first-round swap in 2026. Gabe Vincent can serve as a temporary playmaker as Dallas works to get Kyrie Irving healthy. The Mavericks need someone to help them stay afloat until their superstar returns. This eliminates their large men glut and allows them more assets to find upgrades.
To make this transaction worthwhile, the Nets must value Dalton Knecht. They are clearly rebuilding, so acquiring a young player and a second-round draft pick in Haywood Highsmith is a plus. Brooklyn got the wing for free, but converting him into something useful is even better.
The Los Angeles Lakers seek a pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic, and Daniel Gafford is a viable long-term alternative. The 26-year-old has already demonstrated he can survive alongside the Lakers’ great, and he is still in his prime. Los Angeles has minimal draft capital available for trade, but this is a win-win scenario. The Lakers get a defensive-minded wing and a reliable center.
Rob Pelinka should already be on the phone. The Lakers must make a deal to become legitimate title challengers. They do not want to waste a year of Luka’s prime, so expect an upgrade before the February 5 deadline. If the Mavericks want to play it that way, this trade should work out well for Gafford. With Nico Harrison in control, Dallas is difficult to read, but don’t be surprised if Pelinka fleeces him again.
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