As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 6, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks are assessing their roster to improve their playoff chances. One player the Mavericks should seriously consider keeping is center Daniel Gafford. Since joining the team before last year’s trade deadline, Gafford has been a key contributor. In the 2024-25 season, he’s averaging 12.2 points per game on an impressive 70.7% shooting, along with 6.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 assists per game.
With injuries currently affecting the Mavericks, particularly center Dereck Lively II, who is expected to be out for two to three months due to an ankle injury, and star player Luka Dončić, who is sidelined with a left calf strain for at least a month, keeping Gafford on the roster becomes even more critical. Trading him could leave the Mavericks even thinner in the frontcourt, especially when the team needs depth and reliable production from its big men. Retaining Gafford could be a smart move to bolster their playoff push.
