Dalton Knecht and the Los Angeles Lakers are moving full speed toward a shocking and perhaps inevitable split. It's an unfortunate reality considering he excelled as a rookie, but the Lakers could turn a rough situation into progress if a new trade proposal comes to fruition.
In a move proposed by Enzo Flojo of ClutchPoints, the Lakers would be adding Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford in exchange for Knecht, Gabe Vincent, and a 2031 first-round pick.
It's a compelling offer that centers around Dallas' need for developable youth and cap relief, and Los Angeles' void at center. Exum would unfortunately be a throw-in for financial purposes considering he's out for the season after undergoing knee surgery, but this is still a worthwhile trade to consider.
It's a near total win with Exum and Vincent's expiring salaries, Knecht and a 2031 first-round pick checking the box of facilitating the Mavericks' youth movement, and the Lakers getting help down low.
The obvious hurdle is the fact that the Lakers would be out of yet another first-round draft pick. They're already without first-round selections in 2027 and 2029. To make matters worse, they don't own the rights to a second-round draft choice until 2032.
If the Lakers believe that Gafford is the answer to their questions at center, however, then this could be a transformative move that resolves the longstanding issue of instability at the position.
Proposed Lakers trade flips Knecht, Vincent, and a first for Daniel Gafford
Gafford, 27, signed a three-year, $54,380,290 contract extension that will take hold in 2026-27. It's fully guaranteed, meaning the Lakers could potentially have a high-level center on the roster through 2028-29 if this trade is pursued.
That alone offers reason for intrigue considering Los Angeles has been perusing the buyout market and the world of minimum contracts for depth at center in recent years.
As far as what Gafford would provide is concerned, he's the defensive anchor they've been searching for. He's a strong and athletic 6'10" and 265-pound center who plays comfortably above the rim, blocks shots, creates turnovers, blows up the pick and roll, and thrives on the offensive glass.
Luka Doncic knows Gafford's strengths as well as anyone, as the two were teammates when the Mavericks reached the 2024 NBA Finals.
Despite Dallas' struggles as a team in 2025-26, Gafford continues to be a tremendous defender. According to Basketball Index, he ranks in the 95th percentile in rim protection, the 91st percentile in screener rim defense, the 75th percentile in screener mobile defense, and the 65th percentile in post defense.
Gafford also places in the 84th percentile in offensive rebounds per 75 possessions and the 77th percentile in passing lane defense.
With Gafford in the mix, the Lakers could finally proceed with an interior anchor they can rely on. He's a safety net in regard to rim and pick and roll defense, as well as a lob target for the playmakers and a play extender who can create second chances.
The cost is admittedly high, but if the Lakers are willing to pay the price, they'd be adding a tremendous talent at center.