Henri Veesaar’s ACL tear has quickly changed the equation for the Atlanta Hawks, and it could put Daniel Gafford right back on their radar.
Earlier this week, Atlanta was hit with the news that the rookie big man tore his ACL, an injury that will sideline him for the entire 2026-27 season. That leaves the Hawks without one of the frontcourt pieces they had hoped would bring rebounding, 3-point shooting, rim protection, floor spacing, and energy to Quin Snyder’s center group.
Veesaar had earned a guaranteed contract despite going undrafted, which made him a real part of Atlanta’s plans heading into the season. Now, the Hawks have to fill that space another way, and Dallas could be the first team they call.
The Hawks had already checked in on Gafford at last season’s trade deadline, though no deal ever got across the finish line. Still, the interest was real, and Atlanta’s evaluation of Gafford in February - along with other big men around the draft - gives them a clear reason to revisit those conversations now that Veesaar is out.
Gafford has lived in trade rumors for years, and Dallas has shown a willingness to move him before. He wasn’t dealt this summer, but the Mavericks have been open to the idea for multiple seasons, and the uncertainty around his future has been hard to miss.
For now, Gafford has brushed off the noise. Even so, a move before February’s trade deadline can’t be ruled out, especially with the Hawks potentially getting desperate for frontcourt help. Dallas and Atlanta already completed a deal earlier this summer, when the Mavericks sent Ryan Nembhard to the Hawks for Zaccharie Risacher.
Atlanta’s center depth looks vulnerable behind Onyeka Okongwu and Jock Landale. That duo is serviceable, but one more injury would leave the Hawks stretched thin. Mouhamed Gueye is also out to start the season while recovering from a fractured foot, which only sharpens the need for another body in the middle.
That is where Gafford fits. He has three years left on his contract, and Atlanta would be adding a veteran big who can help now and still be part of the rotation during the prime of his deal. Landale’s contract expires after next season, while Okongwu’s runs through the 2027-28 season.
Last season, Gafford averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game for Dallas. His work around the rim, defense in the paint, and nonstop energy would give Atlanta a center who can start or come off the bench without changing the tone of the game.
From Dallas’ side, a deal would open up more runway for Morez Johnson Jr., Santi Aldama, Dereck Lively II, and Moussa Cisse, while also creating some financial flexibility if Gafford is moved for an expiring contract from Atlanta or a third team.
It would also keep the Mavericks on the path toward getting younger. With the Hawks already having shown interest, Veesaar’s injury has made the possibility of those talks picking back up worth watching.
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