Although there would be a massive drop in return value, Marc Stein reported on ‘The Stein Line’ that the Dallas Mavericks are allowing teams to divert trade interest into Daniel Gafford following Anthony Davis’ injury. This is news for those with big-man needs, but also the LA Clippers, who thought they were on an island with the best center on the market, Ivica Zubac.
Zubac’s performances have essentially walked himself into a trade. He did well before an ankle injury that took him out, but since then, his time on the court has been a tale of inconsistency.
In fact, the Croatian star had 22 points and 11 rebounds against the New York Knicks and 17 points and six rebounds against the Detroit Pistons, yet against the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, and Boston Celtics, he posted a combined 19 points, shooting 4-14.
Thus, Zubac is still the ultimate prize, but with Gafford on the trade block, there is a more feasible option that teams could settle on.
The Clippers cannot fleece the teams that are in dire need of a center
Though several teams around the league could use a center, the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers have made it known that the five-man is of priority. The Celtics need competency in the front-court this season, as Jayson Tatum is nearing a return to the Jaylen Brown-led third seed. At the same time, Indiana would rather act sooner than later and prepare for next season with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton.
Furthermore, with Anthony Davis officially eliminated from the radar, the result for the LA Clippers could have been additional assets on top of two first-round picks due to Ivica Zubac’s lone center presence in the trade portal.
Lawrence Frank would have let the Celtics and Pacers have a bidding war, allowing the best man to win.
However, with Davis retained due to an injury and Derrick Lively II done for the year, Daniel Gafford is the last option in the Dallas Mavericks' front-court that contenders could inquire about.
While Zubac has a broader range of skills, Gafford does everything any team would need from a traditional center. He would also seamlessly fit in with the Celtics and Pacers, given the playmakers and high-IQ floor generals on both rosters.
That said, the trade competition regarding centers throughout the next few weeks is reportedly going back up. The Mavericks want to build around Cooper Flagg, and the concept of making Gafford available inadvertently affects the Clippers’ plans.