Trade & FA 2024-25:

[Razzmatazz_Hopskidillydoo]

I'd only be in favor of a Gafford trade when the player coming back is a PF-C type.
Mainly because I do not trust DLive to be completely healthy if and when the Mavs reach the play-offs.
Mavs need a BIG if Gafford is on the way out.

That means the likes of Jalen Smith.

Jalen Smith isn't the lob threat our current two Cs are, but he is still a lob target.
Jalen Smith isn't prime Maxi who can move his feet and stay with wings, and would still probably be a target for an offense which abuses slower Cs, but compared to Gafford, Jalen Smith is quicker.
Jalen Smith isn't averaging a block per game, but he isn't inept at that end.
Jalen Smith averages 5 rebounds a game in 15 mins of play. Still not a good rebounder for a big, but he does shoot from the outside some as opposed to Gaff who averages a rebound better while playing close to the basket.


And lastly, Jalen Smith can shoot free throws. The Mavs would need that type of big in close games.

NOTE: I am not opposed too if the Mavs retain Gafford and just add Smith via a package of Hardy and Maxi and some second round pick, or any combo of mix and match options of trade fillers. Smith plays better at C, but he can play PF.