The Dallas Mavericks are assessing roster flexibility ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, with center Daniel Gafford standing out as the team’s most moveable player.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Gafford, in the first year of a three-year, $54.4 million deal, is attracting interest, though injuries to Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II complicate potential trades.
Gafford has averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists through 14 games, providing a steady interior presence while Anthony Davis has appeared in only five contests, posting 20.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. Lively II’s injuries have limited the Mavericks’ frontcourt depth, adding urgency to evaluating Gafford’s trade value.
Dallas’ 4–10 start is compounded by salary cap constraints. The team’s active cap sits at $201.5 million against a $154.6 million limit, with tax obligations exceeding $31 million. Gafford’s $14.4 million salary is among the more movable contracts, offering potential trade partners flexibility under the cap.
ESPN insiders Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst reported that league executives believe moving Davis—and potentially Kyrie Irving—is the most effective path to reset around 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks’ limited draft assets, including only a 2026 first-round pick, increase the importance of extracting maximum value from trades rather than relying on free agency.
Davis’ contract and injury history limit his trade appeal, while Gafford’s youth and availability make him a practical centerpiece for a swap. The Mavericks’ front office, under interim leadership from Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi, is evaluating “radical roster changes” to stabilize a team still adjusting after the Luka Doncic trade and internal restructuring following Nico Harrison’s firing.
Minority owner Mark Cuban has re-engaged in personnel decisions, signaling a proactive approach as the Mavericks seek to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term roster construction. Gafford’s combination of on-court production, contract size, and flexibility positions him at the center of potential moves before the trade deadline.
