The Dallas Mavericks stay open to buying and selling middle Daniel Gafford as they proceed evaluating roster adjustments following a disappointing 26-56 marketing campaign, in keeping with NBA insider Marc Stein.
Talking Saturday on DLLS Mavs Podcast, Stein mentioned Dallas continues to be fielding presents for Gafford and continues to hunt important worth earlier than making a transfer. Whereas the Mavericks have made a number of veterans obtainable in commerce discussions, Stein emphasised that being available on the market doesn’t essentially imply a deal is imminent.
“We all know he’s obtainable,” Stein mentioned, by way of HoopsHype. “Is somebody going to place a proposal collectively that pursuits the Mavs or are the Mavs going to maintain holding out for a first-round choose in change? Time will inform.”
Stein first reported in June that Dallas was willing to discuss multiple veterans because the group reshapes its roster round 19-year-old ahead Cooper Flagg. He reiterated Saturday that Gafford and Klay Thompson stay the gamers most actively obtainable, whereas groups which have inquired about Kyrie Irving have been knowledgeable the All-Star guard is just not obtainable.
In line with Stein, Dallas would additionally favor to commerce Thompson slightly than negotiate a contract buyout. Thompson is getting into the ultimate assured season of his three-year, $50 million contract and is scheduled to earn $17.5 million in 2026-27.
Gafford, in the meantime, enters the primary season of a three-year, $54.4 million contract. The 27-year-old averaged 9.5 factors, 6.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 55 video games in the course of the 2025-26 season whereas taking pictures an environment friendly 65.5% from the sector. His rim-running means and inside protection proceed to make him a beautiful possibility for groups looking for frontcourt assist.
Dallas seems to be weighing whether or not Gafford’s commerce worth outweighs his on-court manufacturing. Stein indicated the Mavericks have been holding out for a first-round draft choose in return, a value that has but to be met regardless of greater than a month of league-wide discussions.
The franchise has a number of frontcourt selections to make after deciding on Michigan large man Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 total choose within the 2026 NBA Draft. Dallas also added Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea later within the first spherical after a draft-night commerce and chosen ahead Tobi Lawal within the second spherical, giving the group further younger expertise because it transitions towards a youthful core.
Flagg emerged as Dallas’ centerpiece throughout his rookie season, averaging a team-high 21.0 factors together with 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists throughout 70 video games. Max Christie additionally established himself as a dependable perimeter contributor by averaging 12.3 factors whereas taking pictures 40.4% from three-point vary, whereas Naji Marshall contributed 15.2 factors per recreation on 51.0% taking pictures.
The Mavericks completed twelfth within the Western Convention after posting a 26-56 report, lacking the postseason by a large margin. That disappointing end has fueled an offseason centered on growing roster flexibility whereas figuring out which veterans match alongside Flagg’s long-term timeline.
For now, Stein harassed there is no such thing as a certainty that Gafford will probably be moved earlier than the season begins. Dallas continues listening to presents, however until one other staff meets its asking value, the veteran middle might stay a part of the Mavericks’ rotation when the 2026-27 season suggestions off.
