The Los Angeles Lakers are turning their focus to improving their frontcourt this offseason, with a particular interest in Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford. His previous partnership with Luka Doncic makes him an enticing prospect for the Lakers. As the Mavericks gear up for the 2025-26 season, they are likely to have a tight frontcourt with Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and Dereck Lively II also in the mix.

However, the Mavericks might be hesitant to trade Gafford to the Lakers, especially after facing backlash for previously sending Doncic to LA. Jovan Buha from The Athletic theorizes that the Lakers might need to offer more than they would prefer, potentially involving Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and a first-round pick, which would strain their already limited assets. Despite Gafford's non-star status, his solid stats of 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game during the last season could make him an appealing addition for a Lakers team looking to maximize the remaining championship window of LeBron James.

As the offseason nears, the Dallas Mavericks gear up for a crucial draft, with Cooper Flagg expected to be the top pick. While the team awaits the 2024-25 NBA champion, its roster remains a work in progress, necessitating strategic moves in free agency and trades. The focus shifts to the center position, highlighting the current roster's strengths and vulnerabilities.

The Mavericks currently have Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford as prominent options, along with the versatile Anthony Davis, who may see time at center depending on matchups. The health of these players, particularly Lively, will be pivotal after a season marred by injuries. If the Mavericks can maintain depth and health, their big man rotation could emerge as one of the league's best.

The Los Angeles Lakers are prioritizing an upgrade at the center position this offseason. Reports indicate they may pursue a mix of a serviceable center to log around 25 minutes per game and another big man for 15 minutes. The team could also consider making a significant move for an All-Star-caliber center. Notable realistic targets include Daniel Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks and Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets as potential trades. Veteran Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks might be a candidate for their mid-level exception, though his recent decline in performance raises questions about his long-term viability.

Other secondary options for the Lakers include Goga Bitadze from the Orlando Magic, Day'Ron Sharpe of the Brooklyn Nets, Luke Kornet, Larry Nance Jr., and Precious Achiuwa. Each player offers a unique skill set that could fit into the Lakers’ system, but the team's success will hinge on their choices and how they address the critical center position.

The Boston Celtics might be facing a pivotal offseason as they contemplate a massive roster shake-up. With All-Star Jayson Tatum potentially missing the entire season due to a torn Achilles, the team is faced with the prospect of retaining the most expensive roster in the NBA. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report has proposed a three-team trade that could potentially save the Celtics $230 million while still allowing them to remain competitive. The trade would see Jrue Holiday heading to the Dallas Mavericks, while the Celtics would receive Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington from Dallas, along with Drew Timme from Brooklyn.

Boston's current roster, without Tatum, may not be suited for a championship run next season. Gafford, although not as offensively gifted as Porzingis, brings efficiency in the paint and is reliable as either a starter or off the bench. Washington, with playoff experience, can fill the void left by Tatum as a veteran forward, making this trade significant from both a financial and competitive perspective. As the offseason progresses, it will be fascinating to see whether the Celtics decide to pull the trigger on this or other major trades.

As offseason trade speculation heats up, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly in the mix for Jrue Holiday, currently of the Boston Celtics. Following a recent report linking the Los Angeles Clippers to Holiday, discussions have surfaced regarding a potential trade that would send the Celtics big man Daniel Gafford to Dallas in exchange. This comes at a critical juncture for the Celtics, who will have to navigate the period without Jayson Tatum, thereby increasing Holiday's value as a trade asset.

Gafford has demonstrated impressive numbers over the last two seasons with the Mavericks, averaging career highs of 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds during the 2024-25 season. The Mavericks, who recently traded for superstar Anthony Davis, may find Gafford expendable as they seek to add a reliable point guard like Holiday, especially after losing Kyrie Irving to injury.