Mavericks receive tough update on Daniel Gafford's trade value – and it's challenging
· Yahoo Sports
Mavericks receive tough update on Daniel Gafford's trade value – and it's challenging originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Visit sports24.club for more information.
The Dallas Mavericks have several important roster decisions to make this offseason, and one of the biggest question marks revolves around the future of center Daniel Gafford. After a relatively quiet campaign, Gafford has emerged as one of the team's most talked-about trade candidates as Dallas explores ways to reshape its roster.
Earlier this week, NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that the Mavericks were seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Gafford. However, NBA reporter Kevin Gray Jr. believes Dallas may have to lower its asking price as the current market simply isn't matching the Mavericks' expectations.
“The compensation expectation around Mavericks' Daniel Gafford has to be adjusted, as it doesn’t look like first round picks are on the table. There’s one team, the Lakers, who need a starting center, who the Mavs MIGHT be able to squeeze out their first round pick from,” Gray Jr. wrote.
Gafford signed a three-year, $54 million contract extension last year, reportedly the maximum deal he could receive without triggering trade restrictions. Since putting pen to paper on that extension, speculation surrounding his long-term future in Dallas has only continued to intensify.
According to reports, the Mavericks aggressively explored trading Gafford ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. Dallas even attempted to package him alongside the No. 30 overall pick in an effort to move into the top 20 of the draft, but the front office was unable to find a trade partner willing to meet its terms.
With no deal completed on draft night, Gafford remains one of the most talked centers available on the trade market. However, Dallas could ultimately decide to keep him through at least the first half of the season, especially as Dereck Lively II continues recovering from multiple foot surgeries. Until Lively is fully healthy, Gafford provides valuable frontcourt depth that the Mavericks may not be willing to sacrifice.
More NBA news:
- Dereck Lively II's new comments could change expectations for his return – here's why
- Maliq Brown reveals the first thing that left him speechless about Spurs
- AJ Dybantsa exposes unexpected Houston Rockets influence on his rise and it's interesting
- Spurs front office explains risky Jayden Quaintance decision after draft slide
- De'Aaron Fox trade rumors take unexpected turn following Spurs GM's comments