Ayo and Jalen to Dallas, Gafford to LAL

[jayjaysee]

Random thread ideas.

Dallas: Gafford, Prosper, Grimes, 2025 first (top 4 protected just in case), 2025 Philly 2nd
Dallas: Ayo, Jalen, 2026 LAL swap (top 2? Protected)

Ayo is signed cheap enough to buy Dallas another year before deciding to dump Klay. Have him as the better offensive and defensive player compared to Grimes. Gafford is a fan favorite and has amazing chemistry with Luka, but Jalen is a better defender, cheaper, and younger. They get to hope AD gets hurt and LBJ finally gets ages out next year.

LAL: Vincent, Wood, JHS, 2026 swap (top 2?), 2025 LAC 2nd
LAL: Gafford and Grimes

LAL stays under the second apron. Both players can be kept next year and would seem to fill pretty decent roles even if you start Christie over Grimes. Don’t think they should get to protect the swap, Gafford worth a late first and Grimes still worth some 2nds?

Chicago: Ayo and Jalen
Chicago: Vincent, Wood, Prosper, 2025 first (top 4 protected, Dallas isn’t winning the lottery) , 2025 LAC 2nd, 2025 Philly 2nd

Chicago gets a first, two 2nds and a forward prospect for their young-ish duo. They still have not traded their vets, but the rebuild needs to start somewhere.

[Texas Chuck]

My first thought is this is great for LA. Fills those last 2 needs and at a cost they can absolutely live with especially since Gafford is under contract next year and the lack of cap space probably means they can afford to retain Grimes.

I'm not enticed by the player swap for Dallas. I just don't appreciate Ayo as much as you. But the idea of giving up value there to get the high variance Lakers swap is at least interesting. Lakers would have all their key guys back next year too, but eventually Lebron ages and AD is due for an injury year.

Chicago should do this too. They aren't going to get better for Ayo. In fact I think they are getting overpaid for him.

[Maverick41]

I don't do this for DAL. It's arguable they get worse on the court and talent-wise.

If there's a way that Grimes can be removed, I think there's more of a discussion. I think having Ayo particularly during this stretch with Luka & Kyrie out could be very helpful.

[nzahir]

SIGN US UP

We still are missing a #3 ball handler, but as is, its a very good team.

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Milton, Grimes, Vando, DFS, Gafford

Still have Rui+Vando+min+even Grimes if we want to make another move and the 1sts

Can also pass on Grimes and push in chips (and salary) for BI or DJM (can work with Grimes too)

Or keep Grimes think a bit smaller and go Sexton, Lonzo, Brogdon in a Rui deal

Edit:
I forgot Gafford is injured.....hmm depends how bad it is and how long hes out for

If its months, may not be worth us pursuing, but all in on the value if hes fine. Dallas can keep Grimes if they want

Vincent+Hayes+draft capital for Gafford is great

Salaries of Rui, Vando, JHS, and a minimum (also Knecht if we want) are still available for another big piece or a smaller move

[mademan]

It's not clear to me that Ayo is better than Grimes. Definitely not better enough to pay a 1st for the swap

I think Smith is a solid target tho and you can go with a Powell/Dante 1st for Smith and a 2nd rounder. About a 15 spot difference in the draft for a rotation contributor who makes Gafford expendable or you can play him at PF and go with some very big lineups

[Texas Chuck]

A first rounder for Smith with Lively/Gafford/Kleber/Washington seems uh not smart at all. Even with a 2nd coming back. He's not an upgrade to the current rotation. Again Maxi Kleber is broken offensively, but is such a smart and versatile defender. It's why he's a major plus--the only major plus on Dallas who isn't playing primarily with starters.

His contract is bad. His play is fine. No reason to give a first to bring in a guy I'm not convinced Kidd plays in front of him.

[LightTheBeam]

What happened to Gafford? He was really good when I was following along, now it seems Dallas fans have soured on him?

From what I see, Dallas is making a lateral swap, I wouldn't consider giving a 1st here.

LA turns Vincent into Gafford, then JHS into Grimes for a swap? Seems way too good for them.

[Texas Chuck]

What happened to Gafford? He was really good when I was following along, now it seems Dallas fans have soured on him?

He's a bucket on offense. On defense his instincts aren't great. He chases too many blocks and is often out of position for rebounding. He's a very good backup center all things considered, but Dallas could still use upgrading their best 5 and he's the best salary to use in an attempt to do that.

But Dallas has to be careful because Lively is a bit injury prone and he fouls too much. Maxi is also injury prone and too small to be a full time 5. So the upgrade elsewhere needs to justify that risk/downgrade.

[jayjaysee]

It's not clear to me that Ayo is better than Grimes. Definitely not better enough to pay a 1st for the swap

I think Ayo is the better player on both sides. But the first isn’t for Ayo/Grimes. But Grimes might be playing himself out of a contract Dallas is willing to give him. Cuban isn’t writing the checks anymore unfortunately. Ayo at least delays that choice a year and make moving on from Klay easier at that point?

I’d value more of the first for paying for the LAL swap personally..

Jalen is a really nice young defensive backup to Lively, and even cheaper than Gafford and locked up an extra year which is really nice for an expensive contender like Dallas. Maxi can play some minutes there when needed

[mademan]

It's not clear to me that Ayo is better than Grimes. Definitely not better enough to pay a 1st for the swap

I think Ayo is the better player on both sides. But the first isn’t for Ayo/Grimes. But Grimes might be playing himself out of a contract Dallas is willing to give him. Cuban isn’t writing the checks anymore unfortunately. Ayo at least delays that choice a year and make moving on from Klay easier at that point?

But the first is not for Ayo/Grimes.

I’d value more of the first for paying for the swap personally..

I would think, if anything, Grimes is playing his way into being the long term SG beside Luka. The guy is only 24 and showing some serious game.

He's also a RFA, which for players that arent auto maxes, artificially lowers their value. I dont think he gets more than 10-15mill per year.. Reaves had a much better season and was still fairly cheap for the Lakers

[jayjaysee]

What happened to Gafford? He was really good when I was following along, now it seems Dallas fans have soured on him?

From what I see, Dallas is making a lateral swap, I wouldn't consider giving a 1st here.

LA turns Vincent into Gafford, then JHS into Grimes for a swap? Seems way too good for them.

Agree it’s good for LAL, but not worth a first. Maybe it’s two swaps? But that’s seems too much.

Dallas isn’t soured on Gafford though. Most still love him. Amazing chemistry on offense. His awareness is amazing. And he won’t ruin your defense, though he won’t save it either. But teams should be willing to trade from “luxury talent” (generous description probably) when they have it. Lively is young and not perfect, but he’s good enough to be forced in a full time role and see what happens. And here, Dallas gets a backup center so not like losing the role.

[LightTheBeam]

What happened to Gafford? He was really good when I was following along, now it seems Dallas fans have soured on him?

He's a bucket on offense. On defense his instincts aren't great. He chases too many blocks and is often out of position for rebounding. He's a very good backup center all things considered, but Dallas could still use upgrading their best 5 and he's the best salary to use in an attempt to do that.

But Dallas has to be careful because Lively is a bit injury prone and he fouls too much. Maxi is also injury prone and too small to be a full time 5. So the upgrade elsewhere needs to justify that risk/downgrade.

Do you see Smith or Ayo closing games over Klay?

Not arguing if they would be better doing that, just would Dallas actually put Klay on the bench?

[jayjaysee]

It's not clear to me that Ayo is better than Grimes. Definitely not better enough to pay a 1st for the swap

I think Ayo is the better player on both sides. But the first isn’t for Ayo/Grimes. But Grimes might be playing himself out of a contract Dallas is willing to give him. Cuban isn’t writing the checks anymore unfortunately. Ayo at least delays that choice a year and make moving on from Klay easier at that point?

But the first is not for Ayo/Grimes.

I’d value more of the first for paying for the swap personally..

I would think, if anything, Grimes is playing his way into being the long term SG beside Luka. The guy is only 24 and showing some serious game.

He's also a RFA, which for players that arent auto maxes, artificially lowers their value. I dont think he gets more than 10-15mill per year.. Reaves had a much better season and was still fairly cheap for the Lakers

If Cuban was signing checks, I’d agree with you. Just don’t feel as confident in new group in willingness to spend like that though.

Hopefully, I’m wrong. But I’d still take Ayo over Grimes

[Texas Chuck]

What happened to Gafford? He was really good when I was following along, now it seems Dallas fans have soured on him?

He's a bucket on offense. On defense his instincts aren't great. He chases too many blocks and is often out of position for rebounding. He's a very good backup center all things considered, but Dallas could still use upgrading their best 5 and he's the best salary to use in an attempt to do that.

But Dallas has to be careful because Lively is a bit injury prone and he fouls too much. Maxi is also injury prone and too small to be a full time 5. So the upgrade elsewhere needs to justify that risk/downgrade.

Do you see Smith or Ayo closing games over Klay?

Not arguing if they would be better doing that, just would Dallas actually put Klay on the bench?

Klay largely isn't closing games right now. Four of the five are set(barring something surprising becoming available): Lively/Washington/Kyrie/Luka. 5th guy right now is whomever Kidd is feeling among Grimes, Marshall, Dinwiddie, Klay. Grimes feels like the best choice of that group right now.

Smith definitely isn't closing games. That would be Lively or Kleber if Kidd wants to play smaller.

[Godaddycurse]

At first glance its too good for lakers and bad for chicago

[jayjaysee]

SIGN US UP

We still are missing a #3 ball handler, but as is, its a very good team.

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Milton, Grimes, Vando, DFS, Gafford

Still have Rui+Vando+min+even Grimes if we want to make another move and the 1sts

Can also pass on Grimes and push in chips (and salary) for BI or DJM (can work with Grimes too)

Or keep Grimes think a bit smaller and go Sexton, Lonzo, Brogdon in a Rui deal

Edit:
I forgot Gafford is injured.....hmm depends how bad it is and how long hes out for

If its months, may not be worth us pursuing, but all in on the value if hes fine. Dallas can keep Grimes if they want

Vincent+Hayes+draft capital for Gafford is great

Salaries of Rui, Vando, JHS, and a minimum (also Knecht if we want) are still available for another big piece or a smaller move

So if this were Exum instead of Grimes, you think LAL still does it? Exum is really decent the 25 games he plays honestly..

That would fix it for Dallas fans I think. Then just need to get yelled at by Chicago fans..

[nzahir]

SIGN US UP

We still are missing a #3 ball handler, but as is, its a very good team.

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Milton, Grimes, Vando, DFS, Gafford

Still have Rui+Vando+min+even Grimes if we want to make another move and the 1sts

Can also pass on Grimes and push in chips (and salary) for BI or DJM (can work with Grimes too)

Or keep Grimes think a bit smaller and go Sexton, Lonzo, Brogdon in a Rui deal

Edit:
I forgot Gafford is injured.....hmm depends how bad it is and how long hes out for

If its months, may not be worth us pursuing, but all in on the value if hes fine. Dallas can keep Grimes if they want

Vincent+Hayes+draft capital for Gafford is great

Salaries of Rui, Vando, JHS, and a minimum (also Knecht if we want) are still available for another big piece or a smaller move

So if this were Exum instead of Grimes, you think LAL still does it? Exum is really decent the 25 games he plays honestly..

Hmm sure

Hes an injury risk though, but he looked very good with Dallas the other year

I would also do it without

The big issue here is will Gafford be healthy is the question. He also has injury issues

Jokic also destroyed Dallas the last 2 games

But if were getting him for a swap and still have our picks to trade, I like it

Should make another move for another impact role guy or star

Main playoff core of AD, Bron, Reaves, DFS, Gafford, Christie, Rui, Vando, Exum? + another guy?

or Mavs keep Exum and we move a protected 1st, Rui, Vando, Knecht, JHS, and Hayes for BI+Alvarado? Honestly maybe too much, but Knect needs to be in there for salary

AD, Bron, Reaves, BI, DFS, Gafford, Christie, Alvarado

[jayjaysee]

So if this were Exum instead of Grimes, you think LAL still does it? Exum is really decent the 25 games he plays honestly..

Hmm sure

Hes an injury risk though, but he looked very good with Dallas the other year

I would also do it without

The big issue here is will Gafford be healthy is the question. He also has injury issues

Jokic also destroyed Dallas the last 2 games

But if were getting him for a swap and still have our picks to trade, I like it

Should make another move for another impact role guy or star

Main playoff core of AD, Bron, Reaves, DFS, Gafford, Christie, Rui, Vando, Exum? + another guy?

or Mavs keep Exum and we move a protected 1st, Rui, Vando, Knecht, JHS, and Hayes for BI+Alvarado? Honestly maybe too much, but Knect needs to be in there for salary

AD, Bron, Reaves, BI, DFS, Gafford, Christie, Alvarado

Exum is solid honestly. I thought Dallas was going to give him 6-8 mil a year this offseason instead of keeping him at 3. He deserved it and thought Dallas would create a long term bargain contract.. But they kept him at his NG 3 mil. And he couldn’t stay on court. Sad.

For the idea, he’s needed but if LAL prefers the 2nd apron space, he can be dumped on some other team. The apron space would help if LAL is signing rest of season contracts or getting 2nd round pick contracts to try and fill the roster back up..

This is digging a bit too far for my fake RealGM idea I know sorry, but NOP could be the team to be happy Gafford can be out a few weeks (help the tank) and value him next season (solidify with Missi).. so if you’re building an Ingram to LAL (40ish mil unless he waives his TK) you might just send Gafford to NOP and build it to a really big 4 team trade..

But Ingram would probably waive his TK since it’s so late in season and he gets to go back to LAL, who wi likely pay him big money this offseason.

[aguiar95]

This is really terrible for DAL. Loses 2 top-8 rotation players and most of their limited assets for worse players and assets. Just no.

[dcstanley]

Too good for the Lakers, I reckon. Two rotation guys that are probably better than who they have currently occupying those spots and they get off of Vincent for a single protected swap.