The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly making an early notable move for the 2025 NBA offseason. According to reports, they have reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension with their center, Daniel Gafford. ESPN initially broke the news of the deal, which Marc Stein reported is valued at $54 million. Once finalized, the extension will keep Gafford under contract through the 2028-29 NBA season.
Gafford, who is 26 years old, was approaching the conclusion of a separate three-year, $40 million extension he originally signed in 2021 while playing for the Washington Wizards. The Wizards traded him to Dallas in February 2024.
Drafted 38th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Gafford was traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Wizards during his second year in the league. Although he was a dependable player for Washington, Gafford significantly improved his performance with Dallas and became a crucial part of the team`s journey to the NBA Finals last season.
Standing 6-foot-10, Gafford is recognized for his excellent ability to finish lobs and protect the rim. This past season, he achieved career highs, averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, along with an impressive 70.2% shooting percentage from the field.
While the Mavericks recently reached the NBA Finals, the team had faced considerable challenges in the preceding period. For instance, the season before last (2022-23) was highly disappointing, finishing 39-43, and included difficulties such as a season-ending knee injury to Kyrie Irving and an eventual loss in the Play-In Tournament.
Looking ahead, Gafford is set to be part of a Mavericks team featuring a potentially imposing frontcourt, alongside players like Dereck Lively II. Furthermore, Dallas holds the No. 1 pick in this week`s NBA Draft and is widely expected to select Duke star Cooper Flagg. With Kyrie Irving anticipated to miss the start of next season, Flagg is projected to provide immediate offensive contribution as a rookie.
Jasper Hawthorne