After the firing of Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, groups are doubtless licking their chops at potential trades to make the most of the chaos surrounding the franchise. One group that positively ought to is the Los Angeles Lakers.
That will be ironic contemplating that their February acquisition of celebrity Luka Doncic from the Mavericks threw Dallas into chaos. It additionally led to Harrison’s eventual ouster.
Now, the Lakers might return to the scene of the crime by making an attempt to get one of many Mavericks’ many doubtlessly out there property. Clearly the 2 most interesting choices can be Kyrie Irving or former Laker Anthony Davis.
Nevertheless, they might not have sufficient entry to commerce for both. Then once more, with harm and age considerations, each of their commerce values is perhaps depressed.
That would assist the Lakers doubtlessly put collectively a comparatively aggressive supply. Extra doubtless, nevertheless, they may goal heart Daniel Gafford.
The Lakers should commerce with the Mavericks once more
He won’t be the flashiest piece the Mavericks might commerce, however he may very well be a stable buy-low choice for the Lakers trying to solidify the middle place. Presently they’ve Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, each of whom have carried out a stable job of turning a serious adverse right into a minor constructive for Los Angeles.
Higher nonetheless, the Lakers might doubtlessly pry Gafford from Dallas utilizing one among their many expiring contracts. Maxi Kleber and Dalton Knecht, plus a 2032 second-round choose, might doubtlessly be a viable commerce bundle.
Including him would be sure that the Lakers have a reliable heart core after final season, after they struggled to fill out the place after buying and selling Davis. In actual fact, Gafford thrived enjoying alongside Doncic in Dallas and suits his most popular mould of a lob risk at heart.
With the Western Convention plagued 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 might need to clear the books with a looming hearth 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 choose may very well be a wise determination for them in the event that they select to pursue that path.
The Lakers ought to definitely hope so as a result of they may land a rotation participant with expertise enjoying alongside Doncic for affordable.
