Mavericks Weigh Trades for Davis Gafford Marshall

Merlin sees the Mavericks quietly testing the market for two veterans. Reports say center Daniel Gafford has drawn interest from "various Eastern Conference teams" and swingman Naji Marshall has been "generating trade inquiries from rival teams," though Dallas "prefer not to move Marshall, who has routinely outperformed the three-year, $27 million deal" he signed. With the Mavs sitting 15-25 and Anthony Davis sidelined for at least six weeks, the club faces pressure to consider moves that create salary flexibility. Merlin senses a fork in the road. If Dallas commits to a teardown around rookie Cooper Flagg, costly veterans become movable assets. Gafford is more likely to be traded for cap relief or draft stock, while Marshall’s steady play makes him the keeper the front office prefers. Expect flirtations, not fireworks, until the deadline draws near.