NBA Notes: Hawks, Daniel Gafford, Magic, Franz Wagner, Lakers

Hawks

Atlanta’s interest in Mavericks big man Anthony Davis has been well established, but the Hawks are also keeping tabs on another Dallas frontcourt piece.

In his latest for The Stein Line, Marc Stein reports that Daniel Gafford has emerged as a more realistic target.

Gafford doesn’t carry Davis’ star power, but league sources view him as a cleaner fit if Atlanta wants to upgrade the interior without putting rookie Zaccharie Risacher into trade conversations.

That matters internally. The Hawks remain high on Risacher and have shown little appetite to include him in win-now deals.

Stein adds that the Pacers and Celtics are also monitoring Gafford’s availability, suggesting a broader market if Dallas decides to move him.

Magic

With Orlando preparing for a showcase matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies in Germany, Franz Wagner is hopeful the timing aligns with his return from a high ankle sprain, per Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel.

“I feel good,” Wagner said. “I’ve been working really hard the last couple of weeks to get back as soon as I can. Hopefully that will be in Berlin.”

Wagner has missed 16 straight games but was averaging 22.7 points and 6.1 assists prior to the injury. Even if he can’t suit up, the moment will still resonate.

“Growing up going as little kids to that gym to watch the pros play and now bring the NBA game there is pretty special for us,” Wagner said, referring to himself and brother Moritz Wagner.

At 22-18, Orlando is tied with Cleveland near the middle of the East and believes Wagner’s eventual return could help stabilize the climb.

Lakers

The Lakers continue to signal interest in adding a two-way wing, but league executives increasingly view them as a reason this deadline could stay quiet. Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst of ESPN report that limited assets and long-term cap considerations have narrowed L.A.’s in-season options.

“They just need to fast forward to the offseason,” one executive told ESPN. “They can’t realistically add to the roster. They’re focused on keeping cap space and trying to do moves on the margins, and it’s hard to find a lot that makes sense.”