In a league ruled by numbers and contracts, it’s the quiet curiosity—the “what ifs”—that often shape the future more than signed deals. However, with many teams officially in their offseason, introspection becomes the need of the hour. What’s missing on the roster? Does the team need an upgrade? All these questions come into play. For Rob Pelinka and LA, all these queries and more “what ifs” are swinging by their shoulders.

In February, Pelinka and Nico Harrison shook hands on Luka Doncic’s mega trade as Ascension Cafe, which reportedly has turned into a tourist spot for the people. Now, in a new twist in the story, more of a speculation, if you will? Dallas and the Lakers could shake hands. LA’s roster is missing a center, and the Mavericks are supposedly looking into trading their center, Daniel Gafford, in the offseason. Interesting, isn’t it?

Nico Harrison could help Rob Pelinka with a Daniel Gafford trade

Tim MacMahon chose to become a pseudo-general manager on the latest edition of the Hoop Collective podcast. As an “amateur” GM, ESPN’s veteran insider put forth a hypothetical situation that, to be honest, doesn’t sound too bad. “The Mavericks kind of quietly sniffed around about the value of Daniel Gafford before this last deadline. It certainly would make sense for them to do that again this summer,” MacMahon said.

He further added, “Dereck Lively is a year away from getting an extension. Daniel Gafford is entering the final year of his contract. Gafford, reasonably and rightfully, is going to want to get paid starting center money. You can’t have AD on a max, Lively on a big contract, and pay Gafford starting center money.” 

Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford will cost the Mavericks a combined $73.77 million in 2025–26. That’s nearly 48% of the $154.6 million salary cap. Meanwhile, it’s 39.2% of the $187.9 million tax line. However, the Mavs could afford to make their finances a bit more flexible if Nico Harrison and Rob Pelinka sit at Ascension Cafe again this offseason. Why?

“Luka’s obviously got chemistry with Gafford. I don’t know if Nico wants to go back to Ascension Coffee and have another chit-chat with Rob Pelinka so soon, or do something that would benefit,” Tim MacMahon also noted. Well, who would’ve thought that the Mavs could trade Luka Doncic in the first place? However, that deal was done right at that cafe. And now, if Gafford is also traded to the Lakers, you have no reason to be surprised. It would rather be a two-way benefit as LA would get its center and the Mavs financial relief.

With Daniel Gafford’s $14.4 million expiring, Dallas may seek a cheaper backup to Dereck Lively II. If Anthony Davis stays, there’s little room left for Gafford. Meanwhile, with Kyrie Irving out, flipping Gafford for a guard could be wise. And so, Rob Pelinka sees a flicker of hope after playoff despair. Meanwhile, did you know that Rudy Gobert once wished to play with Luka?

Rudy Gobert’s unexpected desires get exposed

In the 2024 WCF, Luka Doncic sized up a shocked Rudy Gobert on the final possession. Hitting a devastating step-back 3-pointer, sealing the deal to play in the Finals against the Boston Celtics. And well, the French big man took his sweet revenge on the Lakers and Luka in the 2025 Playoff series, pinning the Rob Pelinka’s boys with a 4-1 record. However, this competitive setup hasn’t affected Rudy’s unique desire.

Tim MacMahon revealed that the 4x DPOY once wished to play alongside Doncic. “You know who was actually once pretty excited about the potential of playing with Luka? It’s pretty funny. Rudy Gobert,” MacMahon confirmed. “When it was pretty obvious that he wanted to spend his whole career in Utah, but when it was pretty obvious that might not be the way things were going.”

“Last year, Dallas was a top, his kind of silent list of preferred destinations. There was a time when Mark Cuban and Nico Harrison were both very interested in that idea,” the insider informed. Well, it looks like there were situations where Gobert could’ve ended up in Dallas, to play with Luka. But now, Luka has left, forcing the franchise to mop up the devastation.

So, as whispers turn to possibilities, the board resets again. Daniel Gafford may be on the move, Rudy Gobert’s old wish resurfaces, and Pelinka’s hope quietly returns. Meanwhile, Dallas stares at Luka’s shadow, and Nico Harrison may just meet Rob Pelinka again—this time, not for a blockbuster, but for balance.