Bamx
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From ESPN.
NBA offseason: Six star trade ideas to shake up the summer
Lakers deal for Luka's former teammate
Daniel Gafford
Jarred Vanderbilt
Dalton Knecht
2026 first-round pick (No. 25)
After the Mavericks overhauled their front office and parted ways with coach Jason Kidd, it seems that the franchise is ready to fully move on from its previous era into one revolving around Cooper Flagg. So, I have two deals in mind that would trade a pair of veterans who contributed to Dallas' 2024 NBA Finals team, in exchange for more youth and draft picks.
The first sends Gafford to the L.A., where he can rejoin Luka Doncic and thrive once more as a pick-and-roll partner and rim-running threat. This deal should be a no-brainer for the Lakers, as they'd address their glaring hole at the center position -- which would still exist even if Deandre Ayton exercised his option for next season -- with a player who's a proven fit next to Doncic. Gafford would certainly help the Lakers more next season than any rookie they could draft with the No. 25 pick.
On the other side, Dallas lost a 2028 pick swap when it acquired Gafford at the 2024 trade deadline, but it could recoup some of that value and add another young player here. The Mavericks also would clear future cap space, with Gafford signed for more money and years (through the 2028-29 season) than Vanderbilt. -- Zach Kram
Marks' analysis: To part ways with Gafford, the Mavericks need to have assurance that Dereck Lively II is healthy. Lively played just seven games this season and underwent right foot surgery in December. Vanderbilt could give some backup minutes at center if there is a setback with Lively or the Mavericks could draft a big with one of their three first-round picks.
The Lakers enter the offseason trying to duplicate the roster blueprint from when Doncic was with the Mavericks. Adding Gafford gives them a needed lob threat and a rim protector. The Lakers do not lose any cap flexibility, as the outgoing salaries are almost identical to Gafford's $17.2 million salary for next season.
Pistons add Irving to boost playmaking
Kyrie Irving
Isaiah Stewart
Caris LeVert
Ron Holland
2026 first-round pick (No. 21)
Irving hasn't played since March 3, 2025, when he tore the ACL in his left knee. He is 34 years old. And he is owed $82 million over the next two years (counting a 2027-28 player option).
All those factors make him a risky addition for a Detroit team that just won 60 games. But they also mean Irving might be attainable via trade -- especially if Dallas is ready to turn the page -- for a reasonable price this summer. After all, Irving has reached separate NBA Finals as a No. 2 option next to LeBron James and Doncic, so he clearly knows how to fit next to a big, ball-dominant lead playmaker. Irving might be just the secondary scorer and creator Detroit needs next to Cade Cunningham after its offense crumbled in the playoffs.
The cost in this deal wouldn't be too exorbitant, as Stewart, LeVert and Holland were all bench players for Detroit who didn't contribute much in the postseason. Holland, in particular, is an intriguing trade option: As a recent No. 5 draft pick, he could be attractive for other teams but probably doesn't fit long term next to Ausar Thompson because of both players' offensive limitations.
Next to Flagg, Holland makes much more sense. And exchanging Irving for Holland and a draft pick -- as well as Stewart, who would replace Gafford as Dallas' backup center if both of my proposed deals go through -- would be a major step for the Mavericks' potential youth movement. -- Kram
Marks' analysis: From the Pistons' perspective, trading for Irving at the cost of the 21st pick and three rotational players is a no-brainer. Even if Irving plays out the season and then declines his option in 2027-28, the trade certainly is worth the risk.
For Dallas, new president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri has talked positively about Irving on the roster.
"Kevin Durant once told me, 'There is only one Kyrie walking around in the world,'" Ujiri said. "I think we have to figure out how Kyrie fits with our program. I have had those conversations with Kyrie. I think Kyrie will fit."
Ujiri moving Irving now would be premature, especially when you consider Detroit's offer is average, at best.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id...ffers-thunder-nets-lakers-mavs-morant-pistons
