Grading 10 Dallas Mavericks trade deadline targets from no-brainer to must-avoid

6. No-brainer: Daniel Gafford

Another big who the Dallas Mavericks have been linked to is Daniel Gafford of the Washington Wizards, and he could make the type of impact that takes this Mavs team over the top depending on who else they would receive in a trade from the Wizards.

This season for Washington, Gafford is averaging 10.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 69.5 percent from the field. Gafford is the type of defensive-minded big that the Mavs need behind Dereck Lively II, and they would have two defensive anchors for the extended future if they were to make a trade for Gafford.

Trading for Gafford is such a no-brainer because he addresses two major issues the Mavs have, (rebounding and defense) and they could potentially land another player in this deal that could immediately help Dallas.

It's unsure how much the Mavs would have to give up to get Gafford, but this would likely be a move in which they'd trade at least their 2027 first-round pick along with salary filler and potentially some young talent.

The Wizards likely aren't going to part with Gafford easily, and the Mavs could entice them with a first-round pick. Dallas would likely look to get more than just Gafford if this potential deal includes their only tradeable first-round pick, but Washington and Dallas could be trading partners again after completing a blockbuster trade just two years ago.