Daniel Gafford’s sudden breakout just gave the Mavericks a major offseason decision

Perhaps the most surprising part of the Dallas Mavericks’ busy trade deadline was the team’s decision to refrain from parting ways with Daniel Gafford. The center was at the heart of seemingly endless trade rumors, yet Dallas kept him through the February 5 deadline. Now, as Gafford heats up down the stretch, that decision could be paying off for the Mavericks.

Daniel Gafford is finally finding his rhythm

After failing to average at least 10.0 points or 7.5 rebounds in any month earlier this season, Gafford is now averaging 13.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 69.0 percent from the floor.

Although the sample size is small, it’s encouraging to see Gafford rounding back into form. In 2022–23, split between the Washington Wizards and Mavericks, he averaged 11.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. Last season, the former Razorback followed that up with 12.3 points, 6.8 boards, and 1.8 blocks while playing just 21.5 minutes per contest.

However, this season, clouded by injuries, Gafford averaged just 10.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 21.3 minutes per game through the end of February. His production dipped across the board, largely due to those nagging ankle injuries and Dallas’ constantly shifting roster.

Yet, as the season winds down, Gafford is playing his best basketball—a development that bodes well for Dallas. His late-season surge benefits the Mavericks in multiple ways. It could help the team recoup stronger value if trade talks resurface this offseason, or reinforce the case for keeping Gafford in Dallas next season and perhaps beyond.

In the weeks following the trade deadline, NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed that Dallas was unable to generate first-round pick interest in a deal involving Gafford, which was likely a key reason the Mavericks ultimately held onto him. Rightfully so. Despite being tied to trade rumors across the past two deadlines, it never truly felt like Gafford was a player Dallas needed to move. At 27, he remains squarely in his prime and continues to provide value as a rim-running center and interior deterrent.

Gafford’s resurgence gives Dallas offseason flexibility

Moreover, as outlined earlier, the trade deadline wasn’t the ideal time for Dallas to move Gafford. His value had dipped amid injuries and inconsistent play. However, he’s beginning to rebuild that value with a strong March. If the 6-foot-10 big man maintains this level of production, Dallas could potentially fetch the first-round pick it once sought.

Or, if Dallas ultimately does view Gafford as a long-term piece, especially given that he’s in his prime and signed a three-year extension in the offseason, his strong finish will only cement his place with the Mavericks.

Furthermore, with Dallas currently holding the seventh pick in the draft, a wealth of guards should be available. Instead of moving a viable option at center, the Mavericks could keep the established Gafford and use their lottery selection on a guard such as Darius Acuff, Mikel Brown Jr., Labaron Philon, or Keaton Wagler.

In the end, Gafford’s recent play may have turned a once-uncertain situation into a win-win for the Mavericks. His resurgence is rebuilding his trade value while simultaneously reminding Dallas of the impact he can provide as a rim-running anchor. Either way, as the offseason approaches, Gafford’s late push is giving the Mavericks far more flexibility than they had just a few weeks ago.