The Mavericks brought in Daniel Gafford at the 2024 trade deadline to fill that exact role. And the fit was so seamless with Dončić that Dallas was jostling with the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals just a few months later.

The Los Angeles Lakers' 2024-25 season concluded with a disappointing first-round playoff exit, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. Despite entering the postseason as the No. 3 seed, the Lakers failed to capitalize on homecourt advantage.

In the aftermath of an underwhelming playoff run, the Los Angeles Lakers are determined to improve by any means necessary. According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, one trade target this summer is Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford, who is entering the final year of his contract.