The Dallas Mavericks have been fielding trade interest in Daniel Gafford ever since the veteran center agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract extension during the offseason.
However, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the organization has shown no inclination to actually move him at this point.
As Stein reports, “Dallas has shown no interest in parting with Gafford despite incoming calls,” suggesting that the front office values his presence on the roster more than potential trade assets at the moment.
One of the key factors behind that stance is the continued health uncertainty surrounding third-year big man Dereck Lively II.
Stein explains that “Lively’s persistent knee issues have made it difficult for Dallas to feel comfortable thinning out its center rotation.”
The young center has appeared in only three games this season due to a knee sprain and remains doubtful for Monday’s matchup.
That comes after he was limited to just 36 games last season, further underscoring the fragility of the Mavericks’ frontcourt depth.
Even so, the Mavericks’ sluggish start to the 2025–26 campaign could soon test their resolve.
Sitting at 3–7 despite a relatively light early schedule filled with home games, the team’s struggles might push management to consider recalibrating its short-term goals.
As Stein notes, “the Mavericks’ disappointing start could compel them to rethink their direction, even flirting with the idea of tanking.”
Yet such a path is complicated by the fact that Dallas controls only one of its own first-round draft picks through 2030 – the 2026 selection, which comes in what scouts expect to be a particularly strong draft class.
That reality could make any decision to pivot toward a rebuild both risky and consequential.
Gafford himself has dealt with injury problems this fall, missing time due to a right ankle sprain.
He has appeared in just five games so far, posting averages of 8.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in about 20 minutes per contest – a noticeable dip from his production in previous seasons.
Nonetheless, Stein describes him as “one of Dallas’ most attractive trade candidates,” a player whose athleticism and defensive energy could draw interest from contending teams if the Mavericks ultimately decide to shake things up.
Mavs Reportedly Not Interested In Trading Daniel Gafford https://t.co/93837E305d pic.twitter.com/1ZHV3doKbO
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 10, 2025
