The New York Knicks are keeping their eyes open ahead of February’s trade deadline - and one name that’s starting to pick up steam is Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford.
Gafford, who’s been in and out of the Dallas lineup this season due to a right ankle sprain, is drawing interest from several teams around the league, including the Knicks, Warriors, Pacers, and Raptors. And it’s not hard to see why. When healthy, Gafford brings a mix of rim protection, energy, and interior scoring that could immediately bolster a playoff-bound rotation.
In 18 games this season, Gafford is averaging 8.2 points, six rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game - solid numbers for a rotational big, especially on a Mavericks team that’s trying to walk the tightrope between contending now and building for the future. He’s in the first year of a three-year, $54.2 million extension he signed last offseason, earning $17.2 million this year. That’s a manageable number for a team like New York looking to shore up its frontcourt depth without sacrificing long-term flexibility.
The Knicks’ interest in Gafford makes sense. With Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson anchoring the front line, there’s still a need for a reliable, proven backup - someone who can hold down the paint when those two are off the floor or dealing with injuries.
Gafford fits that mold. He’s not a floor-spacer, but he’s a high-efficiency finisher around the rim, a strong lob threat, and a legitimate shot-blocking presence.
Gafford’s value isn’t just about what he brings statistically - it’s about the kind of minutes he can give you in a playoff setting. He’s already shown he can contribute deep into the postseason.
After being acquired by Dallas from Washington in February 2024, Gafford quickly carved out a key role during the Mavericks’ run to the NBA Finals. His career averages - 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game - reflect a player who’s consistently productive in the minutes he gets.
The question now is whether Dallas is willing to move him. The Mavericks are still trying to thread the needle between staying competitive in the short term and maintaining long-term roster flexibility. If they decide to lean into youth or look to recoup future assets, Gafford could become expendable - especially with trade chatter swirling around other frontcourt names across the league.
For the Knicks, this is about plugging a gap - adding a dependable veteran to a roster that’s built to win now. Gafford isn’t a headline-grabbing acquisition, but he could be exactly the kind of under-the-radar move that pays off in April, May, and beyond.