Copyright Yardbarker
While the Dallas Mavericks have anticipated trade inquiries on Daniel Gafford ever since they signed the veteran center to a three-year, $54M extension in the offseason, they have shown no interest in moving him to this point, reports Marc Stein of The Stein Line. According to Stein, one primary reason why Dallas’ front office has been reluctant to even entertain the possibility of dealing Gafford is the fact that third-year center Dereck Lively II continues to be plagued by health issues, having played just three games this season due to a knee sprain that has him doubtful to suit up on Monday. Lively was limited to just 36 games last season. However, the Mavericks’ poor start to the season — they’re currently 3-7 despite having a relatively easy and home-heavy schedule — might force management to rethink the idea of going into tank mode. As Stein observes, the Mavs only control one of their own first-rounders through 2030, and that selection will come in 2026 in what’s viewed as a strong draft class. Gafford has battled a right ankle sprain himself this fall, making five appearances thus far in 2025-26. He’s averaging 8.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 19.6 minutes per contest, numbers that are down compared to the past two seasons. Still, Stein refers to the athletic big man as one of Dallas’ “most attractive trade candidates.”
