NBA roundup: Mavericks hold off on Gafford trade talk; McConnell’s rehab progressing; Giddey questionable for Bulls
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Mavericks
Rival clubs continue to inquire about center Daniel Gafford after his three-year, $54 million extension, but Dallas has shown no interest in moving him, according to Marc Stein. Part of the hesitation stems from the health of second-year big man Dereck Lively II, who has appeared in just three games because of a knee sprain after playing only 36 contests last season. With Lively sidelined, the Mavericks are reluctant to trim frontcourt depth.
Dallas is 3-7 despite a soft early schedule, raising the possibility of a roster reset if results do not improve. The team controls just one of its own first-round picks through 2030—the 2026 selection—complicating any future overhaul.
Gafford, limited by a right ankle sprain, has averaged 8.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 19.6 minutes over five appearances—numbers below his production from the previous two seasons. Even so, Stein lists him among Dallas’s most attractive trade assets should the franchise reconsider its stance.
Pacers
Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said guard T.J. McConnell is “ramping up pretty steadily” after a left hamstring strain suffered in the Oct. 7 preseason opener. It is the first positive update on McConnell’s status in weeks.
Rookie guard Kam Jones (lower back stress reaction) is also improving, though Carlisle cautioned that his return remains distant. Indiana entered Sunday night 1-8 and short-handed, with nine players unavailable for the game in Golden State. Guard Andrew Nembhard returned in that matchup after missing seven contests with a left shoulder injury.
Bulls
Josh Giddey is averaging 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 9.3 assists on efficient shooting through nine games, but the guard sprained his right ankle Saturday when he was crossed up by Cleveland’s De’Andre Hunter. He is listed as questionable for Monday’s home meeting with San Antonio, per The Athletic’s Joel Lorenzi. Losing Giddey would be a significant setback for Chicago, as he has driven the offense throughout the opening stretch.
Source: Hoops Wire
