NBA Rumors: Mavs, Daniel Gafford, Jazz, Josh Giddey, Hawks, Caris LeVert

Gafford a Name to Watch in Dallas

With Dallas eyeing backcourt reinforcements this summer, keep an eye on Daniel Gafford as a potential trade piece. Scotto reports that the veteran big man could be on the move if he and the Mavericks can’t agree on a contract extension.

Gafford, who’s entering the final year of his $14.4 million deal, has been a steady contributor since arriving in Dallas but doesn’t project as a long-term starter alongside Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II.

Translation: If Dallas wants to make a serious move in the guard market, Gafford’s contract may end up as the price of doing business.

Utah Still Has an Eye on Huerter?

Scotto also notes that Kevin Huerter drew interest from the Jazz following his midseason move to Chicago. Utah reportedly was kicking the tires on a potential John Collins deal with Sacramento before the Kings shipped Huerter to the Bulls as part of their deadline retooling.

Per Scotto, the Jazz’s interest may have continued even after Huerter landed in Chicago, raising the question of whether Utah might reengage on the sharpshooting wing this summer.

Whether that’s a basketball decision or a move to acquire an additional asset attached to Huerter’s contract remains to be seen — but the Jazz sniffing around Huerter isn’t nothing.

Boozer Back in Utah, As a Scout

Former All-Star forward Carlos Boozer is expected to join the Jazz in a front-office capacity, per Scotto.

Boozer, who made two All-Star appearances during his playing days in Salt Lake City, has been seen around the team at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago and is likely to be hired as a scout.

Giddey Eyeing Big Payday

Josh Giddey still reportedly wants to get paid like a franchise cornerstone. Scotto hears that Giddey and his camp are sticking with a five-year, $150 million asking price — the same ballpark deal Jalen Suggs secured from Orlando.

That’s been the number floated for Giddey since October, and despite an up-and-down season, it hasn’t changed. Whether the Bulls (or any other team) will meet that price remains to be seen.

Uncertain Offseason Plans in New Orleans and Atlanta

With the front offices in New Orleans and Atlanta undergoing recent changes, previously expected moves may be up in the air. In New Orleans, Scotto reports that David Griffin had interest in retaining Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown. But now that Joe Dumars is running the show, it’s unclear where things stand.

A similar dynamic is unfolding in Atlanta. Before GM Landry Fields was let go, the expectation was that the Hawks would try to bring back Larry Nance Jr. and Caris LeVert, while moving on from Clint Capela. Now? All bets are off, and the Hawks’ new leadership may chart a different course entirely.

Both Nance and LeVert are entering unrestricted free agency. We have the full list here.