After a disastrous start to the 2025-26 season, rumor has it that the Dallas Mavericks are open to trading center Daniel Gafford. If true, then he would be an appealing trade target for many teams, especially playoff teams hoping to find a talented big man who can go block shots and catch alley-oops.
That is where the Los Angeles Lakers should come in. The Lakers already heisted the Mavericks' last trade deadline when they traded Anthony Davis and Mass Christie for Luka Doncic, and they should return to the scene of the crime to try and acquire Gafford.
While the Lakers' center rotation is much improved thanks to Deandre Ayton, they could use a third big man. Gafford would fit the bill and could potentially replace Jaxson Hayes in the rotation, giving them a solid boost and solidifying their weakest position.
The Los Angeles Lakers should be interested in Daniel Gafford
That could prove to be a smart move given how many talented centers there are in the Western Conference. From Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun, Victor Wembanyama, and the aforementioned Davis, the Lakers need as many skilled big men as possible to ensure they have an answer to those stars.
While many Mavs fans are likely against the idea of another trade with the Lakers, the Mavericks might be willing to listen to another deal. After all, Dallas has a very top-heavy front court rotation with Gafford, Davis, Derek Lively, and Cooper Flagg.
While Flagg has played point guard this season, given how disastrous that has gone for Dallas, he may be reverting back to power forward in the near future. That increases the need to clear up playing time for him there, and Gafford minutes may be moved as a result.
What would a trade for Daniel Gafford look like for the Lakers?
One potential trade package could see the Lakers ship out former Mavs big man Maxi Kleber, as well as 2024 first-round selection Dalton Knecht and a 2032 second-round pick for Gafford. That might not be what Mavs fans would expect as far as return value.
Nevertheless, it might actually be appealing to Dallas considering they are only around $3 million under the second apron this season. This move wouldn't save them salary this season, but Gafford has $44.2 million remaining on his contract over the next three seasons.
This deal could save them around $40 million during that span, helping them increase their financial flexibility to build around Flagg. Ultimately, if the Mavericks are game, then the Lakers shouldn't hesitate to shore up their center rotation by landing Gafford.