While the Mavericks are expected to explore trade options involving star forward/center Anthony Davis, he isn’t the only notable Dallas player who could be on the move this winter, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Sources tell Charania that the Mavs are also open to exploring the trade markets for center Daniel Gafford, swingman Klay Thompson, and point guard D’Angelo Russell.
Gafford signed a three-year, $54.4MM extension over the summer that will take effect in 2026/27, but remains trade-eligible because that deal didn’t exceed the extend-and-trade limits; Thompson is earning $16.7MM this season and is owed a $17.5MM guaranteed salary in 2026/27; and Russell is making $5.7MM in 2025/26, with a $6MM player option for next season.
As Charania observes, Thompson was sold on joining the Mavericks during the 2024 offseason in large part because he’d get to team up with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. But Doncic is no longer on the roster and Irving has been sidelined for over nine months due to an ACL tear. The Mavs are off to a 9-16 start this season and teams around the NBA know that Thompson would prefer to be on a team close to title contention, Charania continues.
While head coach Jason Kidd and minority owner Mark Cuban have some input in personnel decisions, Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi, who are currently running the Mavs’ front office as co-interim general managers, have been empowered to lead conversations about the team’s future, says Charania. Both Finley and Riccardi are expected to be candidates to keep the GM job on a permanent basis when the club conducts a full-fledged search after the season, sources tell ESPN.
Here are a few more items of interest from Charania’s latest ‘Inside Pass’ article for ESPN.com:
- The Pacers are engaged in trade talks in the hopes of finding a long-term answer at the center position, Charania reports. The team has been deploying Isaiah Jackson, Jay Huff, and Tony Bradley in the middle so far this season in the wake of Myles Turner‘s departure in free agency.
- While there has been some trade speculation centered around Trae Young this fall, the Hawks believe the star point guard will “elevate” the team once he returns from a sprained MCL that has kept him on the shelf since late October, according to Charania, who hears from sources that Young is optimistic about returning to action later this month.
- The Nets are still the only NBA team with cap room and continue to have trade discussions about how they might use that remaining room to take on salary along with additional assets, sources tell ESPN. Charania adds that Brooklyn may end up working with Cam Thomas‘ representatives to find a trade destination that works for the fifth-year guard, who has an implicit no-trade clause after accepting his one-year qualifying offer in September.
- Charania confirms that the Warriors will explore trades involving Jonathan Kuminga, who is eligible to be moved as of January 15, and that the Kings are being “open-minded” about possible deals involving most players on their roster, with Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Keon Ellis among the potential targets being monitored by rivals.
JK for Dr Rosen Rosen.
So Warriors would have 4 guys over 35 years old? Good grief, might have to punt the season if that’s the case.
Two teams Kuminga will NOT be traded to:
Sacramento Kings
Chicago Bulls
Yes, we do not want him anyways. We have enough rugby style players on our team who cant rebound, shoot or be actual basketball players.
:-)
not a shot at warriors, just strictly speaking at our roster lmao
Ah yes, Steph and Seth Curry, famously guys who can’t shoot lol
We’re talking about Kuminga. That’s who you were talking about. I never once said Steph and Seth……
Oh damn I misread your last line, I thought it said “speaking at your roster”, carry on…
Kuminga plays Buzelis position. You don’t need him. He actually leads the Warriors in rebounding lol.
Of course the warriors are going to explore trades for Kuminga but I hope its for asome young players not more old players that get injured. Wouldn’t mind if they can get a 1st round picks or a few 2nd round picks in a deal. Just please no more old players.
You can forget about receiving a first round pick in exchange. The $23 million player coming in would have to be a serious scrub or disappointment or on a long-term deal.., or all three for that to happen.
DeRozan is 36 not a lot left in the tank and his defense is below par. I rather go after herbert Jones with NO and some other parts.
JK is making a lot of money to be earning DNPs… you’re days of getting a 1st rounder went out the door a month ago
Not expecting a 1st round pick unless its with some dead weight. Might be better to not pick up the option and save the money on next year’s cap space.
Yeah, the Nets might even take JK if the Dubs include their FRP in the deal…
That is not happening when they could just release him and not pick up his option
I wasn’t being serious. My point was not to expect to get any assets in return for someone they are trying to dump.
The Nets got a FRP from the Nuggets for taking on MPJ’s contract.
You might get a FRP if you take a lesser asset from the trading team with the FRP.
The return depends upon where the warriors sit January 14 at 11:59 PM.
If they’re at least at .500, expect a veteran who can help them this year and maybe next year.
In that case, The following summer, all the big contracts go away so a vet could fit that timeline and not be a problem while going for it now.
If the Warriors are 10 games under .500 then you not only trade JK, but you trade everyone at the deadline for whatever you can get that helps the future.
I don’t see them 10 games under .500 at Jan 15th. the real test will be if Kuminga can bring up his trade value a little.
Kuminga needs to be shut down completely. His play is not going to be better and it’s better just to keep him healthy. Playing him in garbage minutes is only going to lower his value. It’s over.
Appreciate you not being delusional like the Davey guy who thinks kuminga can be the key piece in a Giannis trade! Not even sure kuminga and a couple first can land trey Murphy let alone Giannis
davey been claiming it for 3 years now so he will not change. My take is why would Giannis evebn want to come to teh warriors since there are many teams that have a better chance at a championship. Giannis only wants a championship.
In theory it makes sense if curry was younger for him to push to go there in reality they are one of the most risky possibilities for him due to age and injury risk!
Actually, they tried to trade Curry to the Bucks. But, because of Curry’s ankles, the trade was rejected.
and arc89 has been the most anti-Giannis to GSW guy on here, along with Gary. No idea why. Weirdo stuff honestly.
They just dont think it’s realistic but after the Doncic trade anything is possible if nba owners want to showcase Warriors and Curry. Lacob has been very good to nba profitability as a whole.
Exactly Michol, GSW are the #1 highest valued NBA franchise, anyone thinking they are EVER going to enter a rebuilding phase is either smoking that good good, or massively delusional, or just lowkey hating their team, or refusing to believe the window can stay open when there are ways – it’s open as long as Steph is healthy at playoffs time. That’s pure fact. Last season vs Houston proved it…I mean they sent the #2 seed packing, purely off Curry gravity and brilliance. They do need a legit second and/or third superstar, and Giannis is perfect. No one is stopping G, Jim and 30, period.
Lol ……. Dra is barely hanging on . Steph is 37. Jimmy is 36. Warriors are rebuilding in 2 yrs.
I am not anti-Giannis but realistic in it costing too much to get him and Giannis leaving after next year.
Giannis would want to stay on the #1 highest valued franchise, that’s hilarious you would think he would leave. He isn’t KD.
Giannis wants to play for the heat or knicks. Not warriors.
Ok Noel, so what are YOU going to do when what I said happens, happens? You dont know trade value, lil bro. Sit down.
If he goes to the warriors then it’s bc Giannis really pushed for it and the buck’s honored his request ! But in s open bidding the warriors have any chance ! Ins an open bidding Im 100% certain Kuminga Wouldn’t be in the top 15 of potential desirable assets bucks would want and can get !
Whether you like it or not
Kuminga, Green, Hield, 3 FRP and maybe some pick swaps for Giannis and Thainsis
is the best deal the Bucks are going to get
We gotta gross up and be honest here ! Kuminga was available for teams to get from. Warriors in a sign and trade and interest was lukewarm! If kings had been willing to give up Keegan Murray with Saric warriors would have done it but kings didnt and noboey objectively blames them! Just like nobody objectivly Blames Kerr for giving him dnp coached decision! He’ is not a potential star for anyone and doesn’t warrant the kind of role he wants
Stay wrong. YDKB.
/Shrug
Still factually right L nobody actually blames Kerr for not giving Kuminga a star role Vic he’s not a star or potential star it’s just a fact and when he’s traded and it’s not part of a trade for a top 30 player you will finally accept reality
You haven’t said any facts though. Just poorly worded postings.
He’s literally in and out of the rotation and getting dnp coach’s decisions! And it’s clear pat Spencer has earned more minutes than him! It’s not an opinion it’s literally what’s happening in front of your two eyes and nobody is thinking Kerr is stupid for it! We also had a summer where his trade value was clearly much lower then you and warriors hoped and nothing to improve! So this idea the v bucks or any team would love to make him their star player is delusion not based on any reality. Again just had arguably their best two games of the year vs Cavs and bulls with step out hurt and Spencer taking his mins
Kuminga defense was incredible in the last game, he got pulled because of the 1-10. Meanwhile Podz gets unlimited minutes when he goes 2-9.
You are just scared of Steph+Jim+Giannis trio, as everyone else hating this trade idea is lowkey terrified of GSW shooting back to Hamptons 5 again lol
If Giannis wants to force his way there fine by me honestly! There’s nothing to suggest he will though as tje only reference is he wanted to be a knick if he was traded ! I’m just saying in an open bidding kuminga green and picks ( everyone will give up the max picks ) isn’t gonns be the bid the bucks want most ! If Giannis tried to force his way there then bucks might take it but there’s nothing to suggest he will
Also I’m a clippers fan so the title is irrelevant to me and I’m not really worried about a thunder dynasty or who can stop Them ! Not worried if they send thunder a top 3 pick as we a screwed! I wish clippers would trade your teal Kawhi for kuminga moody and Payton straight up no pick not bc I think Kuminga can be a star I just want the Kawhi era to be over
ah there it is…say no more lol
There’s no anti warriors here! As long as long as the lakers aren’t wining the title or getting Giannis i can live with the results
Everybody will be on expiring contract next season. Trade deadline and offseason will be very interesting…. Will Curry win another title?
Ans will he really retire as a Warrior? Crazy things have happened so never know.
Don’t believe the hype. Plenty of teams believe in right system Kuminga can become a starter. Ofcourse it helps to have him playing well to trade him. Imo you can get good value for him.
I don’t doubt teams will gladly buy low on him ! I’m correctly doubting teams want to trade their star for a package lead by him And correctly doubting they want to run offense throgh him like he’s a star! What teams want is to buy low on him and hope he accepts the role for them he refusess for warriors
No teams plays the Warrior offense. Kuminga is not a PF. You don’t develop a player out of position. If you want the best of a young talent. You play and develop him at his best position. Not a new position. Kuminga is not a shooter. Ge will never be a shooter. His potential is as a scorer, 2way talent.
He definitely has more potential on defense than offense! He absolutely could be a player similar to og pf the Knicks ( who makes 40 million a year) but he’s so delusional he thinks the role is beyond him when the truth is number one or even number 2 option is above his ability
He is a big time athlete. I see a lot of Jimmy Butker in him. His shot will get better. I can see him in right system avg 18-20 a gm with good defense. Imo thats his ceiling. But on right team.
Trae, Zacch & KP to Dallas for ADavis & Kyrie
Hawks get the dominant rebounder we desperately need along with 1 of the best defensive bigs & best scoring bigs in the world. We also upgrade from Trae to Kyrie. Ky fits our team much more than Trae bc he’s much better playing off the ball & he’s better defensively.
Dallas gets a young stud/fellow top pick forward to pair with Coop in Zacch. They also get an elite pg in his prime w/ strong Texas roots (Trae) & a guy in KP who should pair well with the rest of their frontcourt (Gafford/Lively).
Zacc and Cooper play same position. Throw in a future pick, a late 1st rd pick. I’ll take that.
So now we are giving up on Trae …..
Nick Richards is just wasting away on the Suns bench waiting for an opportunity to go somewhere and play.
Dallas maverick should not consider trading daniel gafford away because gafford is the only Center you got who is healthy and you have to waive someone to sign cisse to a stranded contract because he is one way two contract and derek lively injured and who knows if he is going to come back from injury
Gafford to the Pistons seems like a perfect fit. Gafford for Ivey..?
The Mavs are truly in a weird place. And unfortunately injuries is playing a big role in their outlook for the future. You don’t need a 18 mill a year backup center. Even without Cooper. Best case scenario is trade Gafford and Russell (if you can). For a starting PG. finish the season best you can. Then go from there. Kyrie will be back next year. You figure it out and go from there. You have till next seasons TD. To decide if you want to blow it up. You can trade AD and Kyrie for young talent and picks. And just build around Cooper, Lively, PJ. No need to rush this and just give away AD. Unless you get a great offer. No need to blow it up just yet.
I love this post, you talk for 7 lines about blowing it up but then finish “No need to blow it up just yet.” lmao A+