Mavericks have emerged as the favorites for acquiring Herb Jones from the Pelicans due to the fact that we have Gafford to trade - and the Pelicans desperately need a center.

Let's first acknowledge that Herb Jones is EXACTLY what would work on the Mavericks roster, and would give us a combo wing to finally take all of Maxi's minutes and relieve minutes off of PJ Washington, Klay Thompson & Naji Marshall as well. However, losing our backup C would be quite a blow as it is something the Mavericks have struggled with over the years.

So, I tried to find a good Gafford replacement with a cost-controlled contract. I eventually landed on JV as the Wizards might be more likely to deal him for future assets since he was acquired as a free agent and didn't cost them any assets at all. We would ask the Pelicans for a 2RP to help facilitate, and buy the 2028 OKC 2nd round (or any available 2nd round) for cash considerations. We would also give the PHI 2025 2RP which has good value and a young player project in O-Max.

I realize this is would be a fortunate scenario for the Mavericks, however I don't see a future where Nico trades Gafford without getting a very competent backup C.