Mavericks made their stance on Daniel Gafford crystal clear

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off one of the biggest steals of the summer when they signed Daniel Gafford to a three-year, $54 million extension to keep him in Dallas through the 2028-29 season, and fans couldn't believe they pulled this move off for such a great price. This was great value for Gafford considering how vital he has been for the Mavericks over the last few years, but Dallas' stance on him goes much deeper than just the contract extension.

While Dallas' Gafford extension did show that the Mavericks are all in on continuing their double-big strategy, the amount of money he signed for did indicate that he could end up being expendable. Gafford's new deal barely avoided a six-month trade restriction, meaning that they could trade him right now if they wanted to.

This seems unlikely, as they will likely begin the season with the squad they have (barring one final roster move to make room for Dante Exum), but if things go south, Gafford is a player that they could consider moving to upgrade their backcourt.

Daniel Gafford is a key piece in Dallas but not untouchable

Dallas only signed D'Angelo Russell and Exum to help replace Kyrie Irving until he returns from his ACL tear, which is a very bold plan to say the least. Many fans hoped that the Mavs would make a trade for another guard to help hold down the guard room until Irving returns, but they decided to stay pat, ultimately putting tons of trust in Russell.

If Russell, Exum, Brandon Williams, Ryan Nembhard, and Jaden Hardy don't provide enough production for the first half of the season, they may be forced to move Gafford. His trade value should be through the roof, as he is on a great contract and is an elite starter or bench player, and any team in the NBA that needs a big man would likely be all over him.

Gafford's ability to protect the rim, finish lobs, and bring energy is unmatched, and without him, Dallas likely wouldn't have turned their 2023-24 season around to make a push for the NBA Finals. He will always be remembered for his performance at the end of that season, and fans would be crushed if Dallas ever traded him.

His second-chance buckets and yells after dunks got the American Airlines Center crowd on its feet every time, and having to see him play against the Mavs multiple times a year would hurt.

But it wouldn't be super shocking.

Gafford was in some trade rumors last season, and it wouldn't be a major surprise if some of these talks resurfaced again this season, depending on how they start the year. Dallas can't afford to fall behind in the standings, and Nico Harrison has proven time and time again that he isn't afraid to roll the dice and make trades if things aren't working out.

Harrison traded Grant Williams in the middle of his first season with the team after making a sign-and-trade for him in the summer prior, and he also moved Kristaps Porzingis in his first year running the team. Both moves led to the team going on deep playoff runs, and a Gafford trade could bring forth similar results if they decide to go in that direction.

Of course, a dream scenario for Dallas would be to start strong, keep Gafford, and Irving returning in a timely manner, but his timeline for return is unclear. The Mavs made it clear that they liked Gafford enough to give him a contract extension, but their emphasis on keeping flexibility to trade him also sends a strong message that he may not be untouchable.