An NBA trade idea sending Daniel Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks to the Toronto Raptors has been created.
NBA writer Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea between the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Mavericks, Raptors and Brooklyn Nets:
Dallas Mavericks get: LeBron James, Bronny James, Andre Jackson Jr., Tyler Smith, Drew Timme
Los Angeles Lakers get: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Tyrese Martin, $4 million trade exception, $2 million trade exception
Milwaukee Bucks get: RJ Barrett, P.J. Washington, Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall, $2 million trade exception, 2026 first-round swap rights (from Lakers), 2026 Lakers second-rounder (via Raptors), 2028 first-round swap rights (from Lakers), 2030 first-round swap rights (from Lakers), 2031 first-rounder (from Lakers), 2032 first-round swap rights (from Lakers)
Toronto Raptors get: Daniel Gafford, $13.3 million trade exception
Brooklyn Nets get: Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, Dwight Powell
Pincus created this enormous NBA trade idea because LeBron’s future with the Lakers is up in the air and Antetokounmpo is still evaluating his future with the Bucks.
LeBron, 40, would have to request a trade for this NBA trade idea to work since he has a no-trade clause in his contract.
Gafford appeared in 57 games for the Mavericks last season. He averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.4 steals and 1.8 blocks while shooting 70.2% from the field and 68.9% from the free-throw line. The 26-year-old recorded eight double-doubles.
The Mavericks signed Gafford to a three-year, $54.4 million extension on July 12. The big man will make $14.4 million next season. His extension kicks in during the 2026-27 season.
Gafford has played for the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and Mavericks. He enters next season with career averages of 9.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.5 blocks. He turns 27 on October 1.
Dallas and Toronto missed the 2025 playoffs. The Mavericks lost their second play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Raptors didn’t even qualify for the play-in tournament.