NBA Rumors: Mavs, Daniel Gafford, Pacers, Clippers, Chris Paul, Bucks, Myles Turner

Mavericks

The Mavericks may be more active on the trade front than their public patience suggests.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported earlier Tuesday that Dallas is willing to discuss Daniel Gafford in the right deal, and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line linked that directly to Indiana’s search for a long-term center.

League sources told Fischer the Pacers have interest in Gafford, viewing him as a natural pick-and-roll partner for Tyrese Haliburton once the All-Star guard returns from his Achilles tear.

Gafford signed a three-year, $54 million extension this summer, but the structure keeps him fully trade-eligible.

It’s unclear what Dallas would want back, but Indiana has workable salary pieces. Obi Toppin matches money straight up, while Bennedict Mathurin and Tony Bradley could be packaged. The Pacers also control all their own firsts, giving them flexibility if talks advance.

Clippers

The Clippers are preparing to work with Chris Paul and CAA to find the veteran guard a new home, according to Fischer.

Paul becomes trade-eligible on December 15 and is widely viewed as the most likely player to move that day. He wanted to stay close to Los Angeles last summer, but Fischer notes that playing time may take priority now after his role shrank and frustrations grew.

Outside of Paul, the Clippers aren’t expected to make major changes immediately. Fischer and Sam Amick of The Athletic both say Ivica Zubac, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard are unlikely to be moved.

Amick added on Run It Back that owner Steve Ballmer has an “inexplicable, borderline insane addiction to this group,” which may keep the core intact through the deadline.

Bucks

NBA teams continue to monitor Milwaukee, and not just because of the Giannis Antetokounmpo noise.

Fischer reports the Warriors could circle back to Myles Turner as they gauge the market for Jonathan Kuminga. Golden State showed interest in Turner during his Pacers days, exploring potential structures involving Kuminga, Buddy Hield and Andrew Wiggins.

With Milwaukee under pressure to retool around Antetokounmpo, Turner is seen by rivals as a veteran who could become available if the Bucks pivot — though nothing suggests that move is imminent.