NBA Trade Rumors: Mavericks Make $14.9M Key Player Untouchable Amid Major Interest From Luka Doncic's Lakers 

The latest NBA trade rumors suggest that the Mavericks have no intention of trading Daniel Gafford's $14.9 million contract amid significant interest from the Luka Doncic-led Lakers. Mavericks insider Marc Stein reported this on Sunday after reports emerged that several teams are monitoring his situation amid Dallas' poor start to the season.

If the Mavericks aren't close to playoff contention by the February trade deadline, it would make sense for them to move on from most of their veterans and rebuild around No. 1 pick Gafford. However, it seems the Mavericks are bullish about their chances to contend with this core.

Gafford could have been the most viable trade asset, given the rising value of centers around the NBA. The Mavericks extended him last offseason on a three-year $54.4 million contract, so they won't be compelled to make a midseason fire sale.

MFFL NATION

@NationMffl

REPORT: The Dallas Mavericks have not entertained the idea of trading Daniel Gafford, per @TheSteinLine (via https://t.co/K0oEZJKoIK)

The Mavericks will also have to move stars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving to start a rebuild with no guarantees of favorable draft capital over the next five years. They are unlikely to take that route as they haven't seen this core on the court and its potential.

Moreover, the Mavericks have major health issues among their big man rotation. Dereck Lively II, Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford have missed a combined 17 games. Should the Mavericks remain on course to at least make the play-in tournament, it would be a considerable loss if Gafford gets traded.

Mavericks may not trade Daniel Gafford to Luka Doncic's Lakers even if they make him available

The Mavericks are unlikely to trade Daniel Gafford to reunite with Luka Doncic on the Lakers, even if he were made available. The ownership and front office are still facing heat for trading Doncic to LA for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick in February, months after a finals run.

Trading Gafford and helping the Lakers further would only rile up the fans more. According to Marc Stein, the ownership is already troubled by the negativity surrounding the team amid a 3-7 start that has the Mavericks 14th in the West.

Fullcourtpass

@Fullcourtpass

Negativity surrounding the Dallas Mavericks is "wearing on and troubling" ownership, per @TheSteinLine 🍿🍿🍿

The Lakers also may not have the best offer. Other teams have more picks and players the Mavericks could use for building a new core around Cooper Flagg.