Daniel Gafford just shut down every Mavericks trade rumor with this absurd stat

The Dallas Mavericks found a way to overcome their injury struggles on Wednesday, outlasting the 14th-seeded New Orleans Pelicans in a thrilling 137-136 victory. With Zion Williamson on the floor, the Pelicans pushed Dallas to the brink in a high-scoring battle, but the Mavericks showed resilience despite missing key players, including Luka Doncic. While injuries continue to test the team’s depth, Dallas managed to grind out a crucial win, proving they can still compete in the crowded Western Conference.

The Mavericks' victory was fueled by a balanced offensive attack, with multiple players stepping up in Doncic's absence. Klay Thompson continues to find his rhythm from beyond the arc, shooting 6-11 from deep and finishing with 20 points. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington carried much of the scoring load, each posting 25 points. Washington also dominated the glass with 14 rebounds while dishing out a career-high eight assists. Irving flirted with a triple-double, adding nine rebounds and six assists to his stat line.

However, the most impactful performance of the night belonged to Daniel Gafford. The big man delivered a monster game with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks, setting the tone on both ends of the floor. His presence in the paint gave Dallas the edge in a game that demanded physicality and energy, keeping the Mavericks in control down the stretch.

Gafford's dominant defense is silencing trade speculation

Gafford added to his impressive shot-blocking resume on Wednesday night, swatting four shots against the Pelicans to bring his 2025 total to 35. He has been absolutely elite defensively in January, and the numbers back that up as well.

He is second in the league in blocks in 2025 behind only Victor Wembanyama, who leads with 43. His presence in the paint has been a difference-maker for Dallas, providing much-needed rim protection amid the team’s ongoing injury struggles. With his combination of length, timing, and energy, Gafford has solidified himself as one of the NBA’s most reliable interior defenders, giving the Mavericks a defensive anchor as they push through a tough stretch of the season.

Trade rumors surrounding Gafford surfaced earlier in the season, but his recent play has quickly quieted that speculation. As one of the league’s top shot-blockers and anchors in the paint, Gafford has proven invaluable for the Mavericks, especially during a stretch where injuries have tested the team’s depth. His ability to protect the rim, finish around the basket, and bring energy on both ends has made him a key contributor. Dallas has little reason to part ways with a consistently impactful player. With his production reaching new heights, any trade buzz surrounding Gafford has lost momentum, as he continues to solidify his role as a crucial piece of the Mavericks’ frontcourt.

As the Dallas Mavericks prepare for Doncic to return, the team looks to make a run to bolster their Western Conference seeding. It'll be exciting to see what this team can do late down the stretch with their star player back in the rotation. Stay tuned for more news on Daniel Gafford and the Dallas Mavericks.