Two Dallas Mavericks insiders offered nearly identical trade reports from American Airlines Center, and the simplest way forward is a trade with the Golden State Warriors.
Between Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and even Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks are one of the most frequently mentioned teams in NBA trade rumors. It makes sense. Their current core isn't winning, and they have a bright future centered on Cooper Flagg, provided they successfully build around him.
Of course, Irving, Davis, Thompson, and Gafford are all quality players and veteran presences, although keeping all of the aging players on the roster doesn't make much sense. Davis is the most commonly included trade piece in mock deals, although he is far from the most coveted.
This season, Daniel Gafford is averaging only 8.2 points and six rebounds per game, although he's proven that he can thrive with an elite point guard. Who better than Stephen Curry? The Golden State Warriors have made it no secret that they want to shore up their frontcourt. Adding Davis and his massive contract is unrealistic, and Gafford's salary fits in better with The Bay's checkbook.
Mavericks Could Swap Gafford for Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga has long made it clear that he wants to be the focal point of a franchise. The only problem is he simply isn't good enough to be top dog on a good team. What about the second option on a rebuilding team?
Maybe he could stomach that.
A wing rotation of Flagg, Kuminga, PJ Washington, and Naji Marshall can space the floor and defend, and with Dereck Livley II holding down the paint (once he returns from injury), the Mavericks would be a point guard away from hitting the ground running with their youth movement.
Full Mock Trade Details
- Dallas Mavericks add: Jonathan Kuminga, De'Anthony Melton
- Golden State Warriors add: Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin
By sending Gafford and the rarely-used Caleb Martin to the Warriors, the Mavericks could demand back De'Anthony Melton and Kuminga. This would likely be the first of multiple deadline moves the Mavericks could make, and the Warriors get their ideal rim-runner to pair with Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
"There is not a robust trade market for pretty much any of these veterans that you would be interested in moving on from, excluding Daniel Gafford," reported Tim Cato.
So Gafford has some value, and the Mavericks are interested in Kuminga.
"Among the players the Mavericks have interest in from teams that have discussed Davis internally are Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors and Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks," reported Grant Afseth.
The Warriors get a center, allowing them to compete during the twilight years of Curry's career, and the Mavericks shed some salary and set themselves up for long-term success with Flagg.
Davis, Irving, and Thompson could all be moved in other deals as well, allowing the Mavericks to really cement their young core.