Daniel Gafford extends with Dallas for 60 million over three years

The Dallas Mavericks end speculation about Daniel Gafford’s future. According to ESPN, the 26-year-old center intends to sign a three-year contract extension worth nearly $60 million, which will keep him with the Texas franchise through the 2028-29 season.

This extension comes amid trade rumors surrounding the player. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon had revealed in May that the Mavericks had « quietly gauged Daniel Gafford’s trade value before this deadline, » adding that he « reasonably and rightfully wanted starting center money. »

A strategic investment in the paint

Gafford is coming off a productive season averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game, despite missing 25 games largely due to a right knee sprain in February. Since the start of the 2021-22 season, he has posted impressive stats of 17.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes, with a remarkable 71.3% field goal percentage.

Arriving in Dallas in February 2024 from the Washington Wizards, Gafford quickly established himself as a reliable presence in the paint. Upon arrival, he averaged 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks with an exceptional 73% shooting percentage, significantly contributing to the Mavericks’ qualification for the NBA Finals.

This extension is part of the roster reorganization around Anthony Davis, who arrived at the trade deadline. General manager Nico Harrison is betting on a particularly deep frontcourt, with Gafford, Dereck Lively II (21 years old), Davis and his three-year, $175.4 million extension; not to mention PJ Washington and Dwight Powell.

The imminent arrival of Cooper Flagg, projected to be the first pick in the 2025 Draft, adds even more depth to this frontline. Gafford, who has the best career field goal percentage in the NBA since his arrival in 2019-20 (71%, counting only players with a minimum of 1000 attempts), represents a constant threat near the rim and a solid defender in the paint.