League maneuvering continues to ripple outward as teams weigh flexibility against urgency, and several situations highlighted by Marc Stein underline how interconnected those decisions have become.
The Atlanta Hawks have made no secret of their long-standing interest in Anthony Davis, but Stein notes that their attention is not limited to a single target in Dallas.
Another name on Atlanta’s radar is Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks.
While Gafford does not carry the same star-level ceiling, acquiring him would allow the Hawks to improve their frontcourt without sacrificing younger cornerstone Zaccharie Risacher in trade negotiations.
That preservation of future potential appears to be a meaningful factor in Atlanta’s calculus. Interest in Gafford is not limited to one suitor.
Stein adds that both the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics have also monitored the 27-year-old center, suggesting that Dallas could face a competitive market if it decides to explore deals involving him.
Elsewhere, veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie has officially become eligible to sign with an NBA team following his departure from Bayern Munich.
However, Stein reports that Dinwiddie may take additional time before committing, as he addresses personal matters that contributed to his exit from the EuroLeague.
Back in Dallas, roster management remains delicate. The Mavericks have not yet moved to waive Dante Exum, despite the potential need for a roster spot to convert two-way guard Ryan Nembhard.
Stein explains that the hesitation stems from Dallas’ hope of using Exum’s $3.3 million salary as trade ballast rather than losing it outright.
That same logic is influencing decisions across the league, delaying conversions for two-way players such as Spencer Jones in Denver, Daniss Jenkins in Detroit, and Pat Spencer with Golden State.
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