Daniel Gafford of Dallas is a trade candidate who can monitor this offseason, NBA insiders say
The 2024-25 season is an emotional roller coaster for the Dallas Mavericks. At the deadline, the team traded the all-NBA PG Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
In return, the Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick. The second half of last season was a mess and fans were angry at GM Nico Harrison. However, after finishing No. 1 in the 2025 NBA Draft, the team received a new lease after finishing the first pick. Dallas can change its roster before the 2025-26 season. NBA insider Michael Scotto reported Daniel Gafford as a trade candidate.
Will the Dallas Mavericks trade big man Daniel Gafford in the offseason?
Daniel Gafford is a trade candidate that can be monitored @mikeascotto
“Gafford is a trade candidate who will not agree to an extension with Dallas if he disagrees with the extension. The 26-year-old Center will need a salary increase, the Mavericks have signed Davis to the largest contract, and the 21-year-old Center… pic.twitter.com/l5xclhivib
– nbacentral (@thedunkcentral) May 14, 2025
At the 2023-24 deadline, the Mavericks replaced center Daniel Gafford. Dallas sent Richuan Holmes and a first-round draft pick to Washington in exchange for Gafford. He played in 29 regular season games and won 21 games after being awarded by the Mavericks. In the 2024 playoffs, Gafford started all 22 games in the NBA finals in Dallas. In the 2024-25 season, Gafford participated in 57 of 82 games and played 31 games.
From mid-February to late March, Daniel Gafford missed 21 games in a 3-level MCL sprain. According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, the big man is a trade candidate this offseason. Scotto said Gafford and the Mavericks had a chance to disagree with the postponement during the offseason. Former first-round draft pick Derek Lively is one year away from eligibility for the extension.
Michael Scotto reports that the 26-year-old is looking for a pay raise during the offseason. He will make $14.39 million in 2025-26. Dallas already owns Anthony Davis on its largest contract. On top of that, Kyrie Irving's player selection for next season is $43 million. It's hard for the Mavericks to find a significant salary increase for Gafford. We'll see if the team has considered this offseason 26-year-old deal.
