The Dallas Mavericks are at a pivotal crossroads as the trade deadline approaches, and all signs point toward a strategy centered on building around their young cornerstone, Cooper Flagg. That means tough decisions are on the horizon - including the possibility of parting ways with key rotation players - but there’s a potential deal on the table that could check multiple boxes for Dallas: sending Daniel Gafford to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for the rights to their own 2028 first-round pick.
Let’s unpack why this could be a win-win scenario - and why the timing might be just right.
Gafford to OKC? The Fit Makes Sense
Daniel Gafford has quietly been one of the league’s more effective backup bigs since joining Dallas. He brings rim protection, vertical spacing, and a motor that doesn’t quit - all traits that become even more valuable in a playoff setting. But in Dallas, his role has been somewhat limited, especially with the team shifting its focus toward long-term development around Flagg.
Enter the Thunder.
Oklahoma City is reportedly in the market for a center, with injuries thinning out their frontcourt depth. On a recent episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast, NBA insider Brian Windhorst noted OKC’s interest in big men, raising eyebrows considering how well the Thunder have performed this season. But when you look closer, the need is real - and Gafford fits the mold.
He’s the kind of center who thrives alongside an elite playmaker, and there may be no better fit than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gafford’s ability to roll hard to the rim and finish through contact would complement SGA’s surgical drives and kick-outs. It’s the kind of pairing that could elevate both players, especially in the postseason.
Why This Matters for Dallas
For the Mavericks, the key asset in this potential trade isn’t a player - it’s a pick. Specifically, their own 2028 first-round pick swap rights, which currently sit with the Thunder. Dallas moved that asset in a multi-team deal to land Gafford from Washington back in 2024, but now they have a chance to get it back - and that could be huge.
Regaining control of that pick would give the Mavericks more flexibility as they continue to build around Flagg. It’s not just about adding another lottery ticket to the mix - it’s about having the freedom to make future trades, to pivot if needed, and to control their own destiny in a league where draft capital is everything.
This move would also buy Dallas time. Instead of pushing all their chips in now, they could take a more measured approach, developing Flagg and the rest of the young core without the pressure of immediate contention. That’s a luxury not every rebuilding team has.
A Trade That Works for Both Sides
If Oklahoma City is serious about adding a reliable center, Gafford should be near the top of their list. He’s proven, he’s affordable, and he brings a skill set the Thunder don’t currently have in their rotation. His defensive presence and vertical spacing would give OKC a new dimension, especially in matchups where they need size and toughness inside.
For Dallas, moving Gafford might sting in the short term, but the long-term upside is clear. Reclaiming the 2028 pick rights gives them a critical piece of the puzzle as they look to surround Flagg with the right talent over time.
And for Gafford? A fresh start in OKC, playing next to a dynamic guard like Gilgeous-Alexander, might be exactly what he needs to reignite his impact.
Bottom Line
This is the kind of deal that’s rare in today’s NBA - one that makes sense for both teams and helps each franchise move closer to its goals. For the Thunder, it’s about shoring up their frontcourt for a deep playoff run. For the Mavericks, it’s about taking a step back now to take two steps forward later.
If the phones are ringing between Dallas and Oklahoma City, this is a conversation worth having.