The Dallas Mavericks had a busy offseason, but they didn't overhaul the roster as some were expecting. There are still a few veterans who may not be part of the franchise. They will be on the trade block this season and will be in the middle of trade rumors until the deadline.
Let's take a look at the three most likely Mavs to be traded in the next five months.
Daniel Gafford
There must have been some interest in Gafford this offseason, but no trade materialized. Considering how many center-needy teams there were on the market, one has to assume that some trade discussions involving Gafford took place. For one reason or another, the 27-year-old big man remains in Dallas.
How much longer that will be the case might depend on Dereck Lively. If Lively II can return to action and play extended minutes, there will be less need for Gafford. The Mavs will be happy to trust Lively II, Moussa Cisse, Morez Johnson Jr., and Santi Aldama as their center options.
If the former Duke product continues to struggle to stay healthy, however, the Mavs will need Gafford's two-way ability to put forth a competitive team.
The Mavs will have until the trade deadline to make this determination. Barring an injury or significant underperformance, Gafford should be able to bring back a first-round pick for Dallas.
P.J. Washington
Washington was widely considered a prime trade candidate this summer. After the Mavs added Morez Johnson Jr., Santi Aldama, and Zaccharie Risacher, the writing seemed to be on the wall for Washington.
Either because the Mavs didn't like the offers they received, or because there wasn't much interest in him, Washington remains on the roster.
But the factors that made the 28-year-old a trade candidate this offseason will remain so throughout the season. Once it becomes clear that Washington is expendable and a reason to be on the roster, the Mavs will explore trade opportunities involving him.
Kyrie Irving
The Mavs have shown no indication so far that they are willing to trade the star point guard this offseason. Even though Irving is unlikely to be part of the next great Mavericks team due to his age, the decision to hold on to him for now makes some sense.
Irving missed all of last season recovering from an ACL tear. He is probably at the nadir of his trade value. Having him return, prove that he is healthy, and show everyone that he is still an All-Star-caliber player is a smart approach. This way, the 34-year-old can continue to help this team win games and mentor the young players.
Then, the Mavs can revisit potential trade scenarios at the deadline. Irving has a $42.4 million player option for the 2027-28 season, making him a risk becoming a free agent next summer. Instead of risking losing him for nothing, the Mavs should see what they can get for him at the trade deadline.
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