The Dallas Mavericks have put to rest ongoing trade speculation surrounding center Daniel Gafford by finalizing a three-year, $60 million contract extension. This deal, confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania, ensures Gafford remains with the team through the 2028-29 NBA season, signaling the franchise’s commitment despite previous rumors of potential trades.
While the new contract technically allows for a future trade, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that a source familiar with Dallas’ intentions denied any plans to part ways with Gafford as part of this extension.
Mavs Value Gafford Highly Despite Interest from Other Teams
Marc Stein highlighted the Mavericks’ reluctance to trade Gafford, pointing to significant interest from other teams. This stance comes after a difficult season for fellow center Dereck Lively II, who was limited to just 36 games due to injuries. Stein noted,
“The Mavericks are known to be reluctant to part with Gafford, despite considerable expected trade interest, in the wake of an injury-riddled second season for fellow center Dereck Lively II in which Lively was limited to 36 games,”
underscoring Dallas’ desire to maintain a strong frontcourt presence.
Earlier reports from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, shared on the Hoop Collective podcast, revealed that the Mavericks had \
“quietly sniffed around the value of Daniel Gafford before this deadline,\”
reflecting marketplace curiosity about Gafford’s worth. MacMahon also indicated that Gafford \
“reasonably and rightly wants to get starting center money,\”
a goal evidently achieved with this extension.
Performance and Role Justify Gafford’s New Contract
At age 26, Gafford is coming off another productive season, averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game. Despite missing 25 games largely due to a right knee sprain in February, his on-court impact remains clear. Since the 2021-22 season, Gafford has posted per-36-minute averages of 17.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks, shooting an impressive 71.3 percent from the field, according to Basketball Reference.
This level of production supports the team’s decision to ensure he receives compensation comparable to a starting center, reflecting both his importance to the Mavericks and his proven abilities when healthy.
Roster Strategy Shaped Around Gafford and New Leadership
Gafford’s contract extension arrives as general manager Nico Harrison continues to reshape the Mavericks’ roster, following Anthony Davis’ arrival at the trade deadline last season. Harrison’s plans focus on building a competitive team anchored by Davis, who recently signed his own three-year, $175.4 million extension. Despite the crowded frontcourt that includes both Davis and Lively, Harrison opted not to trade Gafford in pursuit of reinforcements elsewhere on the roster.
Gafford, who was scheduled to become a free agent in 2026 before signing the new deal, is now locked in alongside Dereck Lively II, who remains on his rookie contract and is eligible for restricted free agency in 2027. This arrangement signals confidence in maintaining depth and balance within the big man rotation.
Looking Ahead: Big Lineups and New Talent on the Horizon
With Gafford secured and Davis in place for the foreseeable future, the Mavericks are preparing for the addition of Duke’s top prospect Cooper Flagg, expected to join via the 2025 NBA draft’s No. 1 pick. This development adds excitement and strategic potential as Dallas contemplates deploying a larger lineup next season.
The financial commitment to three frontcourt players demonstrates the Mavericks’ willingness to invest heavily at the center position, possibly allowing flexibility to adapt to shifting roster needs. Gafford’s extension is a key piece in the franchise’s evolving plan to contend in a competitive Western Conference environment.