Daniel Gafford has heard from Masai Ujiri, but the Dallas Mavericks center still does not sound fully secure in the team’s new direction.
That shift matters for Gafford, a holdover from the Luka Doncic era whose role may not perfectly match Cooper Flagg’s future.
Daniel Gafford takes a cautious tone after Masai Ujiri’s call
Gafford tried to stay professional when asked about Dallas’ sweeping changes by Noah Weber, but his words suggested he is still watching his own situation carefully.
“It is a business. I’m not necessarily surprised with some of the things he’s done with the organization… I’m just sitting back and watching from afar, watching from the background… I’ve yet to get the chance to sit down and talk with him, but he did make sure he called me, and we had a good conversation on the phone, and I’m excited for the season.”
The Mavericks have entered a new era with Ujiri as president and Mike Schmitz as general manager.
The phone call is better than silence, but the lack of a proper sit-down is notable. If Gafford were central to Ujiri and Schmitz’s vision, a deeper conversation might already have happened.
Gafford still brings real value. He averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 65.5 percent, offering vertical spacing, screening, and rim protection.
The concern is fit. Dereck Lively II is still Dallas’ preferred long-term center if healthy, and Gafford’s one-note profile may not accentuate Flagg’s versatility as much as a more dynamic big would.
Lakers, Hornets, and Warriors make sense as Gafford trade fits
The Lakers remain the cleanest basketball fit because Gafford already knows how to play with Doncic.
Los Angeles needs a lob threat and rim protector, and Gafford could immediately recreate some of the vertical spacing that helped Doncic in Dallas.
Charlotte also makes sense if the Hornets want a veteran interior solution around LaMelo Ball. Gafford would not fix everything, but he would give them a real defensive structure.
Golden State is the stylistic swing. Steve Kerr has often maximized low-usage centers who screen, dive, defend, and stay out of the stars’ way. Gafford fits that template better than he fits a rebuilding Dallas timeline.
His contract is manageable, too. Spotrac lists his three-year, $54.38 million extension starting next season, with salaries of $17.26 million, $18.13 million, and $18.99 million through 2028-29.
That is not cheap, but it is not unmovable. If Dallas decides Gafford is a holdover from the wrong era, contenders should call quickly.
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