Mavericks trading Gafford would create unavoidable problem they must avoid

It's no secret that the Dallas Mavericks are in the middle of their toughest test of the season to date as they remain without their superstar, Luka Doncic, for the foreseeable future. Doncic's calf injury has created a wide range of problems from the lack of consistency out of the offense to even having role players getting injured which could be due to the larger minute expectation.

While Doncic's injury has created its fair share of problems, it has opened the door for a few role players to flourish in their extended time on the floor. Quentin Grimes has been one of the few players that has shined while Doncic remains sidelined and has proven to be a potential star off the bench for the Mavs.

Despite Grimes being one of the few names to emerge while Doncic remains injured, this period has proven to fans that the team needs to make a change at the trade deadline. To begin the year, Dallas' biggest need was for a backup power forward to replace Maxi Kleber.

While this remains true, the team has many different routes to achieve this roster goal. Despite this, the team must avoid trading backup center Daniel Gafford who was just recently made available on the trade market in cases in which they can acquire an elite perimeter defender to avoid bigger problems in the future.

A Gafford trade would end Dallas' paint dominance

During last year's trade deadline, fans and the team understood that a backup center was amongst the most important needs if the team wished to clinch a playoff birth. With hours remaining until the trade window closed, the Mavericks made a shocking move and traded for Gafford to fill the void of a backup center.

Gafford immediately became the team's starting five and a large reason the Mavericks made it to the NBA Finals. Gafford's interior presence on the defense end in combination with his elite rolling abilities made him one of the most feared big men during their playoff run.

Gafford not only shined in his starting role but he had even bigger expectations entering year two with the team despite the likelihood of getting moved to the bench. Like many other players, the beginning of the season got off to a slow start and what made Gafford so dominant last season, has made him a shell of his former self.

Despite this, Gafford's play over the last week has proven he shouldn't be traded even though it hasn't resulted in wins. Dallas traded for Gafford to have a dominant big on the floor at all times and with Dereck Lively II's recent injury, it's once again reinstated Dallas' need to have a solid big on the floor at all times.

It's no secret that Gafford has struggled in multiple departments that were strengths last season, but the likelihood of replacing his physicality on both ends of the floor is low. Since rumors have come out of Gafford's availability on the trade market, his strong play has made it clear to the front office that the team needs him more than trading him to upgrade a different position.

Yesterday against the Charlotte Hornets, Gafford recorded 31 points, 15 rebounds, and seven blocks in what has become a clear message to the front office that he shouldn't be traded.

With just over two weeks left before the trade deadline is here, the Mavericks need to make a much-needed change if they wish to return to the Finals. However, trading Gafford away will prove more costly than good.