Ranking every Dallas Mavericks player by trade value ahead of 2024-25 season

6. Daniel Gafford

Before the Dallas Mavericks traded for Daniel Gafford in the middle of the 2023-24 season, their center rotation was a little shaky, to say the least. While Dereck Lively II provided great value in his minutes, the other centers weren't as great.

While Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber were solid in spurts, Kleber's injuries and Powell's inconsistency hurt Dallas. They needed an upgrade at center, and Gafford provided that and more. Gafford became the team's starting center, and he became a crucial piece for Dallas.

As a Maverick, Gafford averaged 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 78 percent from the field. Gafford is just getting started in the NBA and is only 25 years old.

With two years remaining on his contract while making less than $29 million combined over these two seasons, Gafford has good trade value. He can provide great minutes as a starter or come off the bench, and he is one of the best rim protectors in the league.

If the Mavs were to trade Gafford, they could likely land at least a first-round pick out of it. He is someone that any contender would want, and he also has the potential to bud into a top-notch starter. Gafford has plenty of time to develop into even more of a complete player, and Jason Kidd will have a good problem on his hands when having to pick a starting center.