ESPN reveals fan-favorite Maverick is as good as gone at the trade deadline

Despite endless speculation since November, it's starting to seem quiet in Dallas Mavericks land on the trade front, as it's becoming increasingly unlikely that Anthony Davis is dealt ahead of the February 5 deadline. However, the Mavericks still have other pieces they could elect to ship out, such as Daniel Gafford, as ESPN NBA insider Tim MacMahon dubbed Gafford the most likely Maverick to be traded on a recent episode of the "Howdy Partners" podcast.

MacMahon didn't go into extensive detail over what teams may be interested in Gafford or what his trade market is currently looking like, as he was primarily focusing on the unlikelihood of a Davis trade happening.

Gafford has been in trade rumors ever since he signed a contract extension in July, right under the amount that would've prevented him from being trade-eligible this season, but constant re-aggravation of a right ankle injury from training camp has quieted trade rumors with him in recent weeks. There's been more speculation over Dallas trading someone like Naji Marshall compared to Gafford recently, as Gafford's had a rough season up to this point, even when he's been healthy.

ESPN names Gafford as Mavs' most likely trade chip ahead of deadline

There are still plenty of teams in the East that could use a rim protector like Gafford, such as the Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors, but the potential return package Gafford was commanding around the start of the season compared to now may have shifted drastically. It'd be ideal for Dallas to get an expiring contract or young asset in return for Gafford, as well as draft compensation, but they may only be able finagle one of those prizes if they trade him right now.

It's definitely not hard to see why teams would still be willing to gamble on Gafford, as he's been injury-riddled this season. But, in the middle of his prime in his age-27 season, he is still a dominant rim protector and decent post presence offensively when fully healthy.

Gafford was instrumental in Dallas making the 2024 NBA Finals after being traded midseason from the Washington Wizards that year, and he could make a similar impact on a team that needs a big man this season if he can get healthy again. Mavs fans fell in love with Gafford's infectious energy and passion during their Finals run, but he could be on the way out the door if these rumors prove to be true.

With Dallas bringing Dereck Lively II back into the mix next season and there still being a little chance Davis is still on the roster at the start of next season, it would make sense for Dallas to break up their logjam in the frontcourt and offload long-term salary by trading Gafford at this deadline. Whether the Mavericks will find a deal they deem reasonable for the El Dorado, Arkansas, native ahead of February 5 is another story, but it's great to see Gafford may still have a trade market.

Gafford has been a fan-favorite in Dallas, so it'd be tough to see the Mavericks part ways with him, but they'd have to consider it if the right deal came along. For Mavericks fans wanting Gafford to stay, though, don't take this report from MacMahon as any sort of guarantee he'll be traded ahead of the deadline, as Gafford's health and other ulterior factors will make or break the equation in terms of whether he's dealt ahead of the deadline or not.