After the firing of Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, groups are possible licking their chops at potential trades to make the most of the chaos surrounding the franchise. One group that undoubtedly 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 attempting to get one of many Mavericks’ many probably out there property. Clearly the 2 most interesting choices can be Kyrie Irving or former Laker Anthony Davis.
Nonetheless, they might not have sufficient entry to commerce for both. Then once more, with damage and age considerations, each of their commerce values is perhaps depressed.
That would assist the Lakers probably put collectively a comparatively aggressive provide. Extra possible, nonetheless, 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 could possibly 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 achieved a stable job of turning a significant detrimental right into a minor constructive for Los Angeles.
Higher nonetheless, the Lakers might probably pry Gafford from Dallas utilizing one in all their many expiring contracts. Maxi Kleber and Dalton Knecht, plus a 2032 second-round choose, might probably be a viable commerce package deal.
Including him would make sure that the Lakers have a reliable heart core after final season, once they struggled to fill out the place after buying and selling Davis. In truth, Gafford thrived enjoying alongside Doncic in Dallas and matches his most well-liked mildew of a lob menace at heart.
With the Western Convention suffering from prime facilities resembling 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 wish 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 choose could possibly be a wise resolution 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.
