With the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) encouraging more complex trades, especially multi-team deals, speculation around blockbuster moves is heating up.
One of the most intriguing possibilities? A potential star-level trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, two teams already linked through past blockbuster deals involving Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis.
Now, with both teams looking to improve their rosters for the 2024–25 season and beyond, another major move could be in the works.
Let’s explore a three-team trade scenario recently proposed by Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell that would send Dereck Lively II to the Lakers, and why a simpler deal for Daniel Gafford might be more realistic.
Why Are the Lakers Interested in Another Trade With the Mavericks?
After falling short in the first round of the 2024 playoffs, the Lakers made it clear they need to add size and youth to their roster, especially at center. While Anthony Davis remains one of the league’s top big men, his injury history has left L.A. thin in the paint.
Enter Dereck Lively II.
The 21-year-old Mavericks center has quickly become one of the most promising young centers in the NBA. He pairs well with playmakers like Luka Dončić, and that same chemistry could translate with LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell in LA.
Lively offers elite rim protection, mobility, and defensive versatility — all traits the Lakers lacked during their recent playoff run.
Proposed Three-Team Trade: Lakers, Mavericks, and Hawks
Here’s how the hypothetical three-team trade breaks down:
| Team | Receives |
|---|---|
| Hawks | Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington |
| Mavericks | Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Georges Niang, Shake Milton, 2027 & 2029 second-round picks (via Cleveland from Atlanta) |
| Lakers | Dereck Lively II, Terance Mann |
This trade gives the Lakers the young center they’re after while keeping their future draft assets intact. For the Mavericks, adding shooting and depth makes sense as they try to build around Luka Dončić.
The Atlanta Hawks, meanwhile, gain valuable expiring contracts and flexibility, making them an ideal third team to help facilitate this kind of deal.
What This Means for the Lakers
For the Lakers, giving up Austin Reaves — their third-best offensive player last season — is no small sacrifice. Reaves is not only a fan favorite but also a proven scorer off the bench who fits perfectly next to LeBron James.
However, Reaves is now eligible for a major contract extension, which could push the Lakers deeper into luxury tax territory. Trading him before that deadline could save money and give Pelinka more flexibility.
In return, the Lakers get Dereck Lively II, a rising defensive anchor and potential long-term partner for Davis. They also pick up Terance Mann, a versatile wing who could provide depth and energy.
Is There a Simpler Alternative? Daniel Gafford
While the Dereck Lively deal is exciting, a more straightforward option could be acquiring Daniel Gafford, another Mavericks big man.
Gafford is known for his high-energy play, rim running, and defensive intensity. He also has experience playing alongside Luka Dončić, making the transition smoother.
Unlike Lively, Gafford wouldn’t require a complex three-team structure. The Lakers could likely land him in a two-team deal, possibly including expiring contracts or future picks.
Of course, landing Gafford may come at a higher price — potentially even overpaying — but it avoids the risk and complexity of a larger trade.
Will the Mavericks Be Open to Another Deal With the Lakers?
This all hinges on whether Dallas GM Nico Harrison wants to do business again with Rob Pelinka, just months after the blockbuster Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade in February.
Harrison has been cautious since taking over in Dallas, preferring to build organically rather than make splashy trades. But with the Mavericks still chasing a championship around Luka, he may be open to moves that strengthen the roster, especially if they receive real value in return.
If the Lakers can offer the right mix of talent and assets — and the Hawks are willing to act as a facilitator — then another major Lakers-Mavericks trade could happen this summer.
Final Thoughts: Could We See Another Star Swap?
While a direct swap of stars isn’t expected, the Lakers and Mavericks could revisit the trade market this offseason, especially with the new CBA making multi-team deals easier to execute.
Whether it’s Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, or someone else entirely, don’t be surprised if LA and Dallas strike another deal that shakes up the Western Conference.
Stay tuned — this story could develop fast once free agency kicks off.