On Wednesday, the Atlanta Hawks participated in a three-team transaction involving the Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers, resulting in Lonzo Ball moving to Utah, where he is expected to be waived and gain free agency status. Alongside Ball, Utah acquired Cleveland’s 2028 and 2032 second-round draft picks, while the Hawks secured center Jock Landale in the deal. The move comes after the Hawks abandoned talks with the Dallas Mavericks concerning a potential trade for Daniel Gafford, a development that unfolded earlier in the day.
Failed Negotiations for Gafford Trigger Shift Toward Alternative Trade
The Hawks and Mavericks were engaged in discussions regarding a trade for Daniel Gafford, but no agreement was reached. The Mavericks reportedly demanded a first-round draft pick in return, as noted by analyst Marc Stein, while Atlanta was only willing to offer a second-round pick, unwilling to increase their offer. This stalemate prompted the Hawks to pursue the three-team deal that brought Landale on board instead.
Jock Landale Provides Critical Frontcourt Depth for Hawks
Jock Landale, a young and improving center out of St. Mary’s, arrives in Atlanta after showing significant progress during his fifth NBA season. After limited playing time with the Spurs, Suns, and Rockets, Landale earned meaningful minutes with the Memphis Grizzlies this season, averaging 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds over approximately 23 minutes per game. His shooting skills were evident as he connected on 38% of his three-pointers, attempting nearly three per game, adding a valuable long-range element for the Hawks.
The acquisition addresses a pressing need for interior strength, as Kristaps Porzingis has spent most of the season sidelined, calling into question his signing. Onyeka Okongwu has solidified his role as a starter and has performed admirably, but beyond him, the Hawks lacked substantial depth in the paint.
Mavericks’ Rebuild Strategy Reflects in Trade Decisions
The Dallas Mavericks, clearly in a rebuilding phase, finalized a deal earlier Wednesday that sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards. While Gafford retains value with his contract extending through the 2028-29 season, his trade did not materialize with Atlanta. Instead, the Hawks opted for a younger, more cost-effective frontcourt addition in Landale, signaling a strategic choice in roster development amid ongoing uncertainties in the paint.
In talks between the teams this week, league sources say, Dallas has sought a first-round pick and Atlanta has countered with second-round compensation. The financial urgency for the Mavericks to make a move has passed now that they've made their Anthony Davis trade. https://t.co/Hcvb8Ezkfy
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 4, 2026
