Why Trading Daniel Gafford Right Now Would Be a Gamble the Mavericks Can’t Afford
There’s no sugarcoating it - the Dallas Mavericks are in a tough spot. Injuries have chipped away at their frontcourt depth, and the team sits near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
But amid the uncertainty, Daniel Gafford has been one of the few reliable constants. And with trade rumors swirling around the big man, the Mavericks find themselves at a crossroads.
Let’s be clear: moving Gafford right now would be a high-risk play. This is a team already walking a tightrope with its frontcourt rotation.
Dereck Lively II and Anthony Davis - yes, both - have had trouble staying healthy, and that’s not a new development. With those two in and out of the lineup, Gafford has quietly become the glue holding the Mavericks’ interior defense together.
The Anchor in the Paint
Since arriving in Dallas, Gafford has brought exactly what the Mavericks needed: energy, toughness, and two-way production in the paint. He’s not just a shot-blocker or a lob threat - he’s a tone-setter.
Whether it’s contesting shots at the rim or finishing strong in the pick-and-roll, Gafford has filled the role of a modern rim-running big with a defensive edge. He’s been a stabilizing force during a season where stability has been hard to come by.
Even with a recent ankle issue, Gafford’s overall durability has made him one of the more dependable bigs on the roster. And that matters - especially when the alternatives are Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse.
While both are capable of filling minutes, neither offers the same impact or trust from head coach Jason Kidd. Gafford’s presence gives Dallas a fighting chance to stay afloat in the playoff race, even as they try to navigate injuries and inconsistency.
The Timing Just Doesn’t Add Up
Yes, Gafford’s contract is team-friendly - three years left at under $19 million per season. That’s the kind of deal contenders love: a proven rotation big on a manageable cap hit.
And yes, if Dallas decides to pivot toward the future and build around Cooper Flagg, Gafford could bring back meaningful assets - maybe even a first-round pick. But the timing of such a move is everything.
If the Mavericks are going to entertain the idea of trading Gafford, it has to be closer to the deadline, when the team has a clearer sense of direction. Are they still in the hunt for a play-in spot?
Can they get healthy and make a late-season push? Or is it time to start thinking long-term and accumulate assets?
Trading him now, when the team is still technically within striking distance of the postseason, would be waving the white flag. It would signal that the Mavericks are leaning into a rebuild before the season has truly played out. And for a team that just made a run to the NBA Finals in 2024 - with Gafford playing a key role in that surge - that’s a tough pill to swallow.
A Move That Could Define the Season
This isn’t just about Gafford’s stats or his contract. It’s about what he represents in the current construction of the Mavericks' roster.
He’s the bridge between a banged-up frontcourt and a team still trying to find its rhythm. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need plays run for him but still makes winning plays.
And in a Western Conference where margins are razor-thin, that kind of presence matters.
If Dallas trades Gafford now, they’re essentially betting that Davis and Lively can stay healthy - something history suggests is far from guaranteed. They’d be putting their playoff hopes in the hands of players who haven’t shown they can consistently stay on the floor. That’s not just risky - it’s reckless.
Bottom Line
The Mavericks may eventually have to make a decision on Daniel Gafford. If the season slips away and the playoffs are no longer realistic, moving him for future assets could make sense. But right now, with the team still clinging to postseason hopes, Gafford is simply too important to let go.
He’s not just a trade chip - he’s a key piece of the present. And unless Dallas is ready to hit the reset button entirely, they’d be wise to hold onto him a little longer.