The Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors are interested in trading for Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, according to NBA insider Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.
Gafford signed an extension with the Mavericks in the offseason, but the veteran is widely regarded as the most tradeable Dallas player. The 27-year-old is averaging 8.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game this season while shooting 61.4% from the field and 79.6% from the free-throw line.
“A few known teams interested in acquiring a center include the Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and Toronto Raptors, sources tell DallasHoopsJournal.com,” Afseth wrote. “It remains to be seen how aggressive trade efforts will prove to be specifically for Daniel Gafford.
“How aggressively those teams pursue an upgrade, and whether Dallas ultimately views moving Gafford as compatible with its current trajectory, remains unresolved. For now, the Mavericks continue to balance short-term competitiveness with longer-term flexibility as league-wide movement begins to crystallize.”
A talented lob threat, Gafford is making $14.4 million this season for the Mavericks, who are in 11th place in the Western Conference standings with a record of 11-18. Dallas could overhaul its roster after firing Nico Harrison as general manager.
Gafford was the 38th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. He has career averages of 9.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game with the Bulls, Washington Wizards and Mavericks.
Gafford helped Dallas reach the 2024 NBA Finals, a series the Boston Celtics won in five games. The Mavericks missed the playoffs last season after Harrison traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis and Max Christie.