The Dallas Mavericks are entering the 2025 offseason with a problem most franchises would envy: an overload of talent in the frontcourt. But NBA insider Sam Quinn has made it clear:
“The Mavs aren’t keeping Davis, Flagg, Lively, and Gafford. This is incredible for the Lakers. I have to imagine one of the centers is moving.”
After landing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and reportedly set on drafting Duke star Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks now find themselves with four starting-caliber big men.
Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and soon Flagg all occupy the frontcourt, with P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Kai Jones adding depth and versatility to the rotation.
This roster imbalance has set off alarms across the league, especially in Los Angeles, where the Lakers are still reeling from their early playoff exit and desperately need frontcourt help.
With Luka Doncic now wearing purple and gold, the idea of reuniting him with either Gafford or Lively, both of whom he played alongside last season, is picking up steam.
Anthony Davis is untouchable. He was the centerpiece of the blockbuster Luka trade and the foundation of Nico Harrison’s win-now strategy.
Dallas made it clear when they acquired him that they were committing to a short-term championship window around his defense and leadership. He’s not going anywhere unless Harrison completely reverses course, which seems unlikely.
That leaves Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II as the most realistic trade candidates. Gafford, 26, averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks on an absurd 70.2 percent shooting from the field. He has one year left on his deal at $14.3 million and is reportedly seeking a payday in line with a starting role.
Lively, just 20 years old, averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while matching Gafford’s field goal efficiency. He’s still on a rookie contract with two years remaining.
Lively’s age, upside, and contract make him the more valuable long-term piece, but Gafford’s trade value might be higher in the immediate market. Quinn speculated that the Mavs could deal Gafford for a shot-creating guard to fill the void left by Kyrie Irving’s torn ACL.
Names like Anfernee Simons and Austin Reaves have emerged in speculative talks, with Reaves being a natural target due to his fit, availability, and connection to Doncic and the Lakers.
For the Lakers, this is an ideal situation. They need size, they need rim protection, and they need players who already know how to play off Luka.
Either Gafford or Lively would immediately boost their frontcourt rotation, and with Dallas prioritizing their present while balancing Flagg’s future, the Lakers may be able to put together an appealing offer involving their 2029 pick or a mix of young talent.
Unless the Mavericks pull the unthinkable and move Flagg, which would require a “godfather” offer, one of the two centers is almost certain to be dealt before the season.
The front office now faces the difficult task of protecting both timelines: contending with Davis now while developing Flagg for the long haul. A center will be the cost of finding that balance.
