The Dallas Mavericks are in an interesting spot as the 2026 NBA trade deadline approaches. They’re not firmly in the playoff picture right now, but they’ve got pieces that could shift the board-both for themselves and for teams looking to make a postseason push. And one of those pieces, Daniel Gafford, might just be the key to unlocking a deal that could help Dallas build around their cornerstone: Cooper Flagg.
Here’s where it gets intriguing. The Indiana Pacers are reportedly in the market for a starting-caliber center, and Gafford’s name has surfaced in those conversations.
The twist? Indiana is open to moving Bennedict Mathurin in return.
That’s not just a name-Mathurin is a young scorer with real upside, and he could be exactly what Dallas needs to ease the offensive burden on Flagg.
Let’s break it down.
Why Mathurin Makes Sense for Dallas
Bennedict Mathurin’s development has been a bit of a roller coaster, but the upside is undeniable. He’s averaging a career-best 17.8 points per game this season, and he’s doing it with efficiency-knocking down 36.6% of his threes and hitting 2.2 triples a night. That kind of perimeter scoring is something Dallas could use, especially alongside a developing star like Flagg who’s still finding his rhythm offensively.
Mathurin’s shooting splits tell the story of a player who can both create his own shot and play off the ball. He’s hitting nearly 38% of his catch-and-shoot threes this season, and over the past two years, he’s been consistently reliable in that area-41.3% in 2024-25 and 38.6% in 2023-24. That kind of consistency suggests he could thrive next to a playmaker or a rising star like Flagg, spacing the floor and taking pressure off the rookie to create every possession.
And it’s not just about the numbers. At 23 years old, Mathurin still has plenty of room to grow. He’s shown flashes of being a dynamic scorer, and while there are areas of his game that still need polish, the Mavericks would be betting on potential-and on a timeline that fits perfectly with Flagg’s.
What Dallas Would Be Giving Up
Daniel Gafford has been a solid presence in the paint, and his skill set-rim protection, vertical spacing, energy-isn’t easy to replace. But his three-year, $54.38 million extension is set to kick in soon, and that’s a significant commitment for a team still figuring out its long-term core.
Moving Gafford now, before that extension begins, gives Dallas some financial flexibility. And if the return is a young, ascending scorer like Mathurin-who will be a restricted free agent this summer-it becomes a calculated risk.
If Mathurin clicks, you’ve got a key piece under team control. If not, you still retain the option to pivot.
Indiana’s Motivation
From the Pacers’ side, this makes sense too. They’re looking to build around Tyrese Haliburton, and adding a starting-caliber center to anchor the defense and finish around the rim could elevate their ceiling.
Gafford fits that mold. He’s not going to stretch the floor, but he gives them a reliable interior presence, and his athleticism complements Haliburton’s playmaking.
Indiana’s willingness to move Mathurin signals that they’re serious about pushing for contention in the 2026-27 season. And if they believe Gafford can be their answer at the five, it’s a trade that aligns with their goals.
The Verdict
This isn’t just a swap of two talented players-it’s a potential turning point for both franchises. For Dallas, it’s about giving Cooper Flagg the kind of offensive support that allows him to grow without carrying the full scoring load every night. For Indiana, it’s a move to solidify their core and take a step closer to contention.
There are risks on both sides, no doubt. But the upside?
It’s real. And with the trade deadline looming, this is exactly the kind of bold, forward-thinking deal that could reshape the landscape for years to come.