Mavericks Considering Trade Offers for Daniel Gafford Amid Roster Reshuffle
The Dallas Mavericks are actively exploring trade possibilities for their center, Daniel Gafford, in the wake of a challenging season that saw them finish with a 26-56 record. This initiative is a strategic effort to overhaul their team and optimize roster flexibility, as reported by NBA insider Marc Stein. While Gafford is certainly on the trade block, the Mavericks are not in a hurry to move him, holding out for an offer that meets their valuation, ideally a first-round draft pick.
The decision to potentially trade Gafford is part of a larger plan to construct a more competitive team, centered around emerging star Cooper Flagg, a 19-year-old forward who has quickly become a focal point for the franchise. Flagg's impressive rookie season, where he led the team with 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game across 70 appearances, has solidified his role as the cornerstone of Dallas' future. Alongside Flagg, other young talents like Max Christie, who averaged 12.3 points with 40.4% three-point shooting, and Naji Marshall, contributing 15.2 points per game on 51.0% shooting, have also demonstrated their potential.
During the 2025-26 season, Gafford, at 27 years old, delivered solid performances, averaging 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over 55 games, with an efficient 65.5% shooting from the field. His capabilities as a rim-runner and interior defender make him an attractive asset for teams in need of frontcourt reinforcement. Despite his contributions, the Mavericks appear to be weighing his trade value against his on-court production, suggesting they believe a first-round pick in exchange could be more beneficial for their long-term vision. This stance has been consistent for over a month, despite ongoing league-wide trade discussions.
In addition to considering Gafford's trade, the Mavericks are also navigating other roster adjustments. They would prefer to trade veteran Klay Thompson rather than pursuing a contract buyout. Thompson is entering the final year of his three-year, $50 million contract, with $17.5 million due in the 2026-27 season. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving, another key player, has been deemed unavailable in trade talks, indicating the team's commitment to him. The organization has also been active in the draft, selecting Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, signing Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea later in the first round, and adding forward Tobi Lawal in the second round, all of which underscore their pivot towards a younger core.
The Mavericks' disappointing 12th-place finish in the Western Conference underscores the urgency of their offseason strategy. The focus remains on enhancing roster flexibility and identifying which veteran players align with Flagg’s long-term development. As of now, there’s no guarantee that Gafford will be traded before the upcoming season begins. The team continues to entertain offers, but without a compelling proposal that meets their asking price, Gafford could very well remain a part of the Mavericks’ lineup when the 2026-27 season commences.