A new blockbuster trade proposal involving three teams would result in Gafford moving to Toronto, while the Hawks acquire an athletic power forward from the Mavericks.

ESPN insider Shams Charania has reported that the Phoenix Suns have traded their 2031 first-round draft pick in exchange for first-round selections in 2025, 2027, and 2029. This transaction appears to set the stage for a more significant, win-now strategy. While it is uncertain whether this move is related to the speculated trade for Jimmy Butler, it indicates that teams are preparing to make significant changes. Another team in the Western Conference that could benefit from additional talent is the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks have been without their star player Luka Doncic and promising rookie center Dereck Lively II for several weeks, which has adversely affected their performance. They currently occupy the 7th seed in a competitive Western Conference and are at risk of slipping further down the rankings. Doncic requires more time to recuperate, and the Mavericks are not sufficiently equipped to afford him that time in their present condition. Consequently, they may be inclined to pursue a win-now strategy to enhance their roster. Daniel Gafford is one player that the Mavericks are reportedly considering in trade discussions, provided the terms are favorable. The 6'10" center has been a valuable asset in Dallas's center rotation and played a crucial role in their journey to the Finals last season. In a recent game against the Hornets, he recorded an impressive 31 points, 15 rebounds, and seven blocks, shooting 12-15 from the field. In 2024, he is averaging a career-high 12.1 points with an impressive 71% shooting percentage. However, the Mavericks are in dire need of wing depth and additional shooting to compensate for Doncic's absence, and Gafford does not address these specific requirements.

The Raptors have struggled significantly in the NBA this season; however, they possess a compelling roster of players who could potentially enhance playoff teams. Ochai Agbaji, Chris Boucher, Kelly Olynyk, Davion Mitchell, and Jakob Poeltl all have the ability to contribute meaningfully to a playoff contender, and their long-term prospects in Toronto remain uncertain. Should a trade materialize between the Raptors and Mavericks, there is a possibility that the Hawks could emerge as a third party in the transaction. The Hawks are in need of a backup power forward and additional shooting options. Below is a proposed framework for a potential trade involving these three teams. It is important to emphasize that this is merely a speculative exercise aimed at exploring possible trade scenarios, rather than a recommendation for the Hawks' actions.

Atlanta Hawks Receive: Oliver-Maxence Prosper, Garrett Temple

Dallas Mavericks Receive: Larry Nance Jr., Chris Boucher, Ochai Agbaji, Jamal Shead, 2025 2nd round pick (from Minnesota, via Atlanta)

Toronto Raptors Receive: Daniel Gafford, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris, 2025 1st round pick (via Dallas)

Rationale for the Hawks' involvement in this trade: They would acquire an athletic forward with significant potential, convert an expiring contract into valuable assets, and substitute Nance's veteran experience with Temple. Although Prosper's statistics may not appear particularly impressive—averaging only 2.6 points and 2.1 rebounds with shooting splits of 39.7/25/60.6—his athleticism is noteworthy, as evidenced by his impressive dunk over Jalen Williams.