The Golden State Warriors are no strangers to making bold moves at the trade deadline, but when it comes to Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, this is one they should probably sit out.
Yes, Gafford brings a skill set that, on paper, checks a few boxes for Golden State. He’s a spring-loaded rim protector who can finish above the rim and give you some vertical spacing - the kind of two-way interior presence that’s been missing from the Warriors’ rotation at times this season.
In 29 games for Dallas, including 20 starts, he’s averaging 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. Not eye-popping numbers, but they hint at the kind of impact he can have when he’s locked in and healthy.
Just last season, he put up 12.3 points, 6.8 boards, and 1.8 blocks - a more complete snapshot of his capabilities.
But as intriguing as Gafford’s skill set might be, the fit in Golden State is complicated - and the cost might be too steep to justify.
Let’s start with the rotation. Trayce Jackson-Davis was giving the Warriors some solid minutes earlier this season, averaging over 15 minutes per game between December 6 and January 2.
Since then, he’s fallen out of the rotation, leaving Golden State leaning heavily on their stretch bigs - Quinten Post and Al Horford - along with Draymond Green, who continues to play a key role as a small-ball center. Gafford would bring a different look, sure, but would he even crack the playoff rotation?
That’s a real question.
In Steve Kerr’s system, floor spacing is critical - especially when you’re sharing the court with guys like Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, who aren’t exactly lighting it up from deep. Gafford doesn’t stretch the floor at all, which means his offensive role would be limited to rim runs, putbacks, and lobs. That’s valuable, but it also caps his minutes, especially in high-leverage playoff games where spacing becomes everything.
Then there’s the financial side. Gafford’s under contract for three more years at $54.4 million - a significant chunk of change for a player who might not be a consistent part of the closing lineup.
According to reports, the Warriors are prioritizing expiring contracts in any potential deal involving Jonathan Kuminga. That makes sense.
Golden State is trying to maintain future cap flexibility while still staying competitive in the short term. Gafford’s deal doesn’t fit that vision.
And while Dallas has reportedly shown interest in Kuminga, the Warriors have to be careful not to sell low on one of their most intriguing young assets. If they’re going to move Kuminga - a player with upside, athleticism, and flashes of real two-way potential - it has to be for a needle-moving piece. Gafford, as solid as he is, doesn’t move that needle enough.
There’s a version of this Warriors team that could use a rim-running big to balance out their perimeter-heavy lineups. But if they’re going to dip into future draft assets or part with a player like Kuminga, the return has to be someone who elevates their ceiling in a real way. Gafford, with his injury history, limited offensive versatility, and sizable contract, just doesn’t check enough of those boxes.
Bottom line: the Warriors need to aim higher before the February 5 trade deadline. Gafford might be a nice piece somewhere else, but in Golden State, the fit is clunky, the cost is high, and the upside just isn’t there.