Mavericks' Daniel Gafford trade was just vindicated again as a young career slips

Daniel Gafford has been in trade rumors a lot as of late. But that’s really a testament to his versatility and value. Dallas originally acquired Gafford’s services by sending a  2024 first-round pick along with other assets to the Washington Wizards, which was later sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder when the Wizards moved up in the draft.

That first-round pick ended up being Dillon Jones. However, based on Jones' bumpy ride of a career thus far, the Mavericks made the right choice by trading for Gafford. Jones has bounced around in his first two seasons in the league, and his next stop will be in New York as he just signed a two-way deal with the Knicks. The fact that he has already been in three spots over two seasons illustrates why the Mavs crushed the Wizards in this trade, and it just keeps getting better for them.

Gafford is currently suspended in limbo as a potential bargaining chip that the Mavericks can elect to use at any moment before the February 5 trade deadline. Ironically, Gafford was traded from the Washington Wizards to Dallas in 2024, right before the February trade deadline.

Mavericks' Gafford move created two extremely different outcomes

Two destinies intertwined. But two very different outcomes. Gafford hit the ground running, playing meaningful minutes on a Dallas team that made a scintillating run to the 2024 NBA Finals before losing 4-1 to the Boston Celtics.

Jones, on the other hand, was immediately thrown into the lion’s den in his rookie season. He had to fight for minutes on an Oklahoma City Thunder team that would go on to win the 2025 NBA championship. Plus, the Thunder already had their franchise guy in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

So Jones was left to fend for himself in an underwhelming rookie season that saw him play only 54 games. He averaged 2.5 points per game while shooting a dismal 38.3 percent from the field, 25.4 percent from downtown, and just 60.7 percent from the charity stripe.

Life comes at you fast. In Jones case, at supersonic speed. Jones was eventually traded to the Washington Wizards in June 2025. He was then waived by the team before the 2025-26 season. However, the New York Knicks signed Jones to a two-way contract earlier this week. Jones may not get many more chances. This could be it for him.

Such is the frailty of pro sports. This is already Jones' third team in just two seasons. A two-way deal for a first-round pick isn’t exactly a badge of honor. But Jones will have to make do or risk fading away into the ether. For good.

Gafford, on the other hand, has been able to enjoy the fruits of his labor to the tune of a three-year $54 million extension he signed with Dallas in the summer of 2025. His high activity on defense and his ability to roll and catch lobs at the rim have made him a staple in the paint. His nonstop motor and athleticism also make him an enticing prospect for teams looking for help in the middle at a reasonable price point.

The Mavericks have experienced enough heartbreak. The Luka Doncic trade still cuts deep in the heart of every Mavs fan. And the Anthony Davis injury reports are a constant reminder of what could have been this season.

But acquiring pieces like Gafford are subtle steps in the right direction. It’s not always about hitting the home run. Dallas may have to do it brick by brick. And they can feel vindicated that trading for Gafford was the right move, as Jones' NBA career has been notably underwhelming.