12-21-2024, 12:10 PM
(12-21-2024, 11:22 AM)RoyTarpleysGhost Wrote: I have a hard time seeing Gafford being available.
I don't think rebuilding teams are all that interested in a serviceable center. Look at the Wizards, who traded him to us in the first place. Center is a luxury you go after once you have the star/wing players ready to compete. Teams want 1st round picks.
I also don't think the Mavs want to trade him. In a fantasy world, Lively and Maxi cover all the minutes at center. But they are both injury prone and you have absolutely nothing behind them. Gafford also brings physicality and toughness that I think was a priority for the Mavs. See PJ Washington. See the interest in Bobby Portis last year.
Maxi's salary will probably be the one used in a trade. As we've already discussed, the two obvious places to upgrade are at the Dinwiddie/Exum role and at the Maxi role. No need to create new holes in the rotation.
Yes, the market is already flooded with centers. Teams are having trouble building up demand for them. There has been talk the Bulls won't be able to get a first for Vucevic. You have Jonas in Washington, Ayton in Portland, Capella in Atl who are all available. Robert Williams is probably worth the risk for a good team, but is any team going to give up a first for him? It just seems if you want a center, you can get one for not a lot. Now the new CBA is going to make trades difficult, but it seems like several teams have for sale signs for their centers and there just isn't a lot of demand right now. Could be something to watch when Gafford reaches FA too.