Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[DanSchwartzgan]

I don't think there's any realistic chance the Mavs are hoping to trade Gaff. The likelihood that Lively's availability is going to be iffy makes Gaff's veteran presence a key piece. imo

Maybe.  That is certainly one school of thought.

The other is that the team has been trying to trade Gafford for some time now - even knowing Lively's situation. One of those overtures would have netted Mathurin before Indy did the deal with LAC instead.

Isaac on Locked-On Mav's has been on quite a roll this offseason and he's been pushing the idea that Gafford won't be here to start the season pretty hard.  You are right that much depends on the outlook for Lively.  But, if you think he'll be here for even the back half of the season, the question becomes do you have enough to get by until then.  Between Morez, Cisse and Aldama the answer is probably yes.  In fact, it is hard to find minutes for Morez otherwise.  So, I'm not in the camp that Gafford will be gone.  But, I'm certainly not ruling it out based on Lively's availability.  For me the question is always about what is best for the team as Cooper matures versus what's good for the team in November and December.