Daniel Gafford is starting to draw some real attention around the league-and not just for his efficient play in the paint.
According to recent reports, the Dallas Mavericks big man is on the radar of multiple teams, including the Warriors, Knicks, Pacers, and Raptors. And for good reason.
Gafford is putting up a solid 8.2 points and six rebounds per game while shooting north of 60% from the field. That kind of efficiency, especially from a rim-running, shot-blocking big, tends to catch the eye of contenders and playoff hopefuls alike.
Gafford signed an extension with Dallas in the offseason, but around the league, he's viewed as the most movable piece on the Mavs’ roster. That’s not a knock on his value-it’s a reflection of how his skill set and contract combine to make him an attractive trade chip. He’s 27 years old, in his prime, and doing exactly what you’d want from a rotation big: finishing plays, cleaning the glass, and protecting the rim.
The interest from other teams is reportedly legitimate, though it remains unclear how aggressive those front offices will be as the trade deadline approaches. Much of that will hinge on how Dallas views its own trajectory. Right now, the Mavericks are sitting outside the early playoff picture, and that could force the front office to prioritize flexibility over continuity.
If Dallas decides to shake things up, Gafford could be the first domino to fall. He’s the kind of player who can seamlessly slide into a variety of systems-whether it’s Golden State looking for frontcourt depth behind Draymond Green, New York eyeing another physical presence inside, Indiana wanting to bolster its interior defense, or Toronto continuing to retool its roster.
For now, it’s a waiting game. But with trade season heating up and Gafford’s name buzzing in front offices, don’t be surprised if he becomes a key figure in the next wave of NBA movement.