The Dallas Mavericks might not be the most active team this offseason, but they could make some impactful moves.
Since trading Luka Doncic, the Mavericks have been unpredictable. With the short-term and long-term futures of the franchise up in the air, it’s almost impossible to say what GM Nico Harrison’s next move might be.
With the team expected to retain Kyrie Irving this offseason, it seems like Dallas is content with trying to contend around a core of Irving, Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg. Of course, it will have to navigate a large part of the season without Irving as he recovers from a torn ACL.
With Irving’s expected absence and a shallow guard room, the Mavericks might need to make some deals to find a replacement for their star to at least start the season. While the Mavericks have little depth at guard, they have a bit of a logjam in the frontcourt.
In a recent Bleacher Report article, Dan Favale projected Daniel Gafford as the Maverick who was most likely to be traded this offseason. That move would make sense on a few fronts for Dallas.
If Gafford is dealt, the Mavericks could get a much-needed guard in return from a team desperate for help inside, like the Los Angeles Lakers. Beyond simply getting a good return from a favorable trade partner, it also opens up the Mavericks’ minutes for their other players inside.
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With Flagg coming in, Dallas needs to find time for both him and Dereck Lively II to develop, with Davis still manning the middle for many minutes. The Mavericks could be an awkward fit next season, but a simple move like this could unlock a contending version of the team.
