As the trade‑deadline looms, Daniel Gafford has emerged as one of the most discussed big‑man targets around the league. According to Evan Sidery, Gafford is widely considered among the most “tradable” players on the Dallas Mavericks roster.
His blend of shot‑blocking, lob‑threat finishing, and interior defense makes Gafford a classic “buy‑low, high‑upside” center that contender teams often covet when frontcourt depth or rim protection becomes a priority.
Coveted Mavericks Big Man Is Drawing Heavy Deadline Interest
The Contract That Turns Heads
In June 2025, Gafford agreed to a three‑year extension with the Dallas Mavericks worth roughly $54 million, keeping him under contract through the 2028-29 season. Per some salary‑cap analysts, that extension translates to an average annual value of around $18.1 million, a manageable sum for a starting-caliber center.
Importantly, the contract remains trade‑eligible. That means the Mavericks could move Gafford without triggering a “six‑month no‑trade” restriction. This flexibility makes him more attractive to teams that want a ready-made big man without waiting. Those factors — skill set, contract value, and trade eligibility help explain why interest in him continues to build around the league.
What Gafford Brings to a New Team
Gafford offers a blend of traits that many teams covet in a center:
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Interior defense and rim protection. In his first full season with the Mavericks, he ranked among the league’s most efficient paint defenders, contesting a high volume of shots while limiting opponents’ field-goal percentage.
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Efficient scoring and finishing. Last season Gafford averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game while shooting a sharp 70.2% from the field. That efficiency makes him a reliable scoring option near the rim.
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Contract stability and value. Given the modest salary compared with his production, Gafford represents a lower‑risk investment than many centers on long or expensive contracts.
For contenders needing paint presence, a reliable rim protector, or a “lob‑threat” finishing option, Gafford could address several needs at once.
Why Dallas Might Be Willing to Explore Deals
Despite his value, the Mavericks face multiple reasons that could prompt them to trade Gafford. Their frontcourt is crowded. With rising players and big names all competing for minutes, opportunities for every frontcourt piece may be limited. While Gafford himself has dealt with physical setbacks, other young big men in the rotation are still facing health and development challenges.
Moreover, some believe that sending Gafford elsewhere could help the Mavericks rebalance their roster, either by acquiring perimeter talent, draft assets, or improving depth where they currently lack. Such a move wouldn’t surprise many around the league, especially if Dallas decides maximizing long-term flexibility becomes a priority.
Potential Drawbacks for Suitors
Still, trading for Gafford doesn’t guarantee immediate success. Teams must evaluate whether they can justify his minutes, especially alongside other rotation bigs. In addition, his recent injuries and the health concerns surrounding Dallas’s frontcourt depth may raise risk for buyers.
Also, acquiring him means committing cap space and playing time to a rim‑running center who excels near the basket but offers limited perimeter skills. Teams would need to balance that with their overall strategy.
The Last Word
For now, the Mavericks have not officially committed to trading Gafford. Internal sources suggest they may hold off until they see whether injured frontcourt teammates regain health and produce.
Nevertheless, league observers widely expect Gafford to draw serious interest from contending teams as trade discussions intensify. With his game profile and contract, he remains one of the most intriguing trade‑deadline big men this season.
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