​The Mavericks face several pivotal offseason decisions, with the future of center Daniel Gafford at the top of the list. After a quieter year, Gafford has become one of the most talked-about trade candidates as Dallas looks to retool its roster. Earlier in the week, NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that Dallas was seeking a first-round pick for Gafford. But NBA reporter Kevin Gray Jr. suggests the market may not support that lofty price, indicating Dallas may need to lower its expectations. Gray Jr. noted that a first-rounder may not be on the table, though there could be a possible path with the Lakers if they need a starting center and Dallas could extract a first-round pick in that scenario.
Gafford signed a three-year, $54 million extension last year, reportedly the maximum deal allowed without triggering trade restrictions. Since agreeing to that extension, speculation about his long-term fit with the Mavericks has only grown. Reports indicate Dallas actively pursued trading Gafford ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, even trying to move him alongside the No. 30 overall pick to climb into the top 20, but could not find a partner willing to meet their terms. With no deal reached on draft night, Gafford remains a highly discussed center on the trade market. Still, Dallas might choose to keep him into at least the first half of the season, especially while Dereck Lively II continues to recover from multiple foot surgeries. Until Lively is fully healthy, Gafford provides valuable frontcourt depth that the Mavericks may not want to part with.