NBA Notes: Mavericks, Daniel Gafford, Grizzlies, Karim Lopez, Mac McClung

Mavericks

Daniel Gafford has heard the trade rumors. He just isn’t letting them bother him.

Speaking with Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Sports, the Mavericks center said he’d be happy to remain in Dallas but understands the business side of the NBA if the front office decides otherwise.

“If they want to keep me, I’m more than grateful,” Gafford said. “And if they want to ship me off, I know it’s just another step in my career that I’m going to have to take.”

Gafford has been mentioned in trade speculation throughout the offseason as Dallas continues evaluating a frontcourt-heavy roster.

Meanwhile, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News examines whether the Mavericks have done enough to rebound from a 26-56 season. And he believes the answer may depend on how quickly Cooper Flagg develops and whether Kyrie Irving can return healthy.

Curtis also noted the Mavericks still have questions to answer regarding roster balance, with much of the current roster built around frontcourt players.

Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have signed first-round pick Karim Lopez, completing deals with all of their first-round selections.

Lopez, the 21st overall pick in June’s draft, spent the past two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers through the NBL’s Next Stars program. The 19-year-old wing became the first Mexican-born player ever selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.

Lopez missed Summer League while recovering from a mild hamstring strain suffered before the draft.

International

Mac McClung could be headed overseas.

According to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews, the two-time G League MVP is drawing significant interest from EuroLeague clubs and is increasingly likely to continue his career in Europe.

McClung averaged 29.5 points and 7.6 assists with the Windy City Bulls last season, but with his two-way eligibility exhausted, earning a standard NBA roster spot has become much more challenging.