This is a weird one that I did after reading reports that the Mavs are looking for a defensive wing and are shopping Daniel Gafford. I've been a big fan of Gafford and thought he'd be great for this Knicks team. The Bulls are also listed as a team that's trying to gather assets and this is a trade that would get them some. It's been hard to gauge the trade value for Mitch (if there is any) but here was my best shot.

Knicks: The Knicks shore up their center situation and get a backup center who's healthy. Gafford plays hard and has the type of attitude that would fit well on this Knicks team too. He's a great rebounder and is a solid rim protector which the Knicks need. They also get Horton-Tucker, who can help give them more defense on the second unit. He's smaller than they may want for a wing (6'4") but he has a huge wingspan and is known for his lockdown defense. He's also still pretty young (somehow only 24) and can create for himself on offense. Since they're also sending out Dadiet, they would have one more roster spot to use to shop the buyout market. Their depth chart also fills out much better and Thibs would be able to go to a longer rotation. For all the criticism of Thibs heavy workload to the starters, the second string has been decimated whenever they take the court because it's really only Payne-Deuce-Achiuwa who can be trusted.

The depth chart would look like this: PG: Brunson - Payne - Kolek SG: Hart - Deuce - Shamet SF: Bridges - THT - Ryan PF: OG - Achiuwa - Buyout Market player C: KAT - Gafford - Sims - Hukporti

Bulls: The Bulls lose Ayo which is probably something they don't want to happen. But he's already on a contract that underpays him and who know if he wants to be a part of a rebuild. He only has 2 years remaining (including this year) so if he wants out, it's best they act now when his value is higher. They replace him with Dadiet, who's still on his rookie contract and is very raw. But he's flashed upside and would be under their control for several years and fits the timeline. They also get Mitch who would fill out their center rotation if and when they trade Vucevic. When he's healthy he's an All-Defensive team candidate. Obviously that health part is the big concern, but the Bulls can afford to wait and him being injured actually helps their chances of tanking and keeping their pick which is currently owed to San Antonio if it lands outside the top 10. They get several second round picks which with the addition of Dadiet will hopefully offset the FRP they may want for Ayo.

Mavs: The Mavs shed some payroll and get a young 3 and D wing in Ayo. He's been a solid defender and has improved each year in the league. He would be under contract next season as well and has a very tradeable salary. Since they're reportedly open to moving Gafford, this seems like a low cost way for them to get a defensive wing.

Thoughts?