NBA Trade Rumors: Mavericks 6'10 Center Deemed More Movable at Deadline than Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving 

Dallas Mavericks star duo Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving have headlined the trade rumor mill amid the franchise's 4-10 start. Both are injured and sidelined, and the Mavericks could slide further. They have the No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg, to build around and a shot at another lottery pick next year if they don't make the playoffs again.

However, Davis and Irving won't be at the forefront of their most tradeable options nearing the February deadline. According to insider Marc Stein, 6-foot-10 center Daniel Gafford is widely regarded as the most movable piece on the Mavericks between now and then.

Gafford, 27, joined the Mavericks at the 2024 deadline and bolstered their run to the finals. However, with Luka Doncic now gone and Dallas having a stacked rotation at the center position, Gafford could be a handy asset to replenish the team's depth at the point guard position.

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Kyrie Irving's injury has left the Mavericks' coaching staff struggling with their offense. They started Cooper Flagg for the first seven games, but it didn't work. Since then, D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Williams have filled those roles, but they have been inconsistent.

With Dallas spending most of his resources on the bigs, it would be ideal to reset the books and use that space to bolster the backcourt, especially in Irving's absence.

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Ideal Daniel Gafford trades Mavericks should consider if they choose to contend with Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving

The Daniel Gafford trade can go two ways for the Mavericks. If they choose to contend, they can use his contract to land a rotation piece in the backcourt. The other option would be to trade for draft capital.

The Mavericks have a first-round pick in 2026 and none between 2027 and 2030. The 2029 selection is from the Lakers and not controlled by Dallas, which will likely be a late first-round pick.

Assuming the Mavericks are trading Gafford's contract to improve their roster if they choose to contend for the playoffs, they can pursue one of the Kings duo of Malik Monk or Dennis Schroder. Monk is making $18.9 million and has three years left on his deal. Schroder is earning $14.1 million.

Gafford is owed $14.4 million and has three more years left after this season. In either deal, the Mavericks could net a first or multiple seconds, considering Gafford's value is higher.

The other option could be Lakers guard Gabe Vincent. He has experience playing with Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell and Max Christie. Vincent is on an expiring $11.5 million contract.

The Mavericks will cut significant salary next year if they go the Vincent route. He, too, could allow Dallas to net draft capital from LA, presumably a 2031 or 2032 pick.

Edited by Arhaan Raje