The Dallas Mavericks were a team many people felt would be a sneaky team in the NBA’s Western Conference this season and possibly make some real noise in the playoffs. But despite possessing an intriguing roster, the Mavs have started off 3-8, and their prospects are looking increasingly dismal.
While their defense has been very solid, they have had lots of trouble offensively. They rank last in points per game and next-to-last in offensive rating, and their halfcourt offense has had plenty of problems. Even worse, former Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis has been out of the lineup lately with a calf strain, and it isn’t known when he’ll be able to return.
The time may come soon for Dallas to make some major changes. One player on its roster who seems like a candidate to be traded is big man Daniel Gafford, and according to insider Brett Siegel, the Lakers are interested.
Via ClutchPoints:
“A 2-6 start to the season has many around the league wondering if Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks will be selective sellers before the trade deadline in February if their struggles continue,” Siegel wrote.
“… It is no secret that Harrison and the Mavericks’ front office will explore what return exists for Klay Thompson before the trade deadline, and several teams are monitoring Daniel Gafford’s status, sources said. The 27-year-old center recently signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension this offseason, but he remains trade eligible this season. “At this time, the Mavs are not operating in a panic mode and don’t appear to be ready to sell assets by any means, but they are being watched closely. Coincidentally enough, one of the teams with strong interest in Gafford dating back to last season is the Los Angeles Lakers, sources said. Could we see a reunion between Luka Doncic and Gafford in Los Angeles in February?”
The Lakers have been linked to Gafford dating back to the offseason. He’s averaging 8.5 points on 61.8% field-goal shooting, five rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 20.2 minutes a game, and he’s a strong finisher at the rim, not to mention the type of lob threat Doncic loves to play with.
Deandre Ayton has been solid so far this season for L.A., but perhaps the team will still look to upgrade at the center position at some point, especially when it comes to defense and rebounding. However, the fact that Harrison practically gift-wrapped Doncic to the Lakers in February would make another trade between them and the Mavericks seem unlikely anytime soon.
