The Dallas Mavericks remain open to trading center Daniel Gafford as they continue evaluating roster changes following a disappointing 26-56 campaign, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Speaking Saturday on DLLS Mavs Podcast, Stein said Dallas is still fielding offers for Gafford and continues to seek significant value before making a move. While the Mavericks have made several veterans available in trade discussions, Stein emphasized that being on the market does not necessarily mean a deal is imminent.
“We know he’s available,” Stein said, via HoopsHype. “Is someone going to put an offer together that interests the Mavs or are the Mavs going to keep holding out for a first-round pick in exchange? Time will tell.”
Stein first reported in June that Dallas was willing to discuss multiple veterans as the organization reshapes its roster around 19-year-old forward Cooper Flagg. He reiterated Saturday that Gafford and Klay Thompson remain the players most actively available, while teams that have inquired about Kyrie Irving have been informed the All-Star guard is not available.
According to Stein, Dallas would also prefer to trade Thompson rather than negotiate a contract buyout. Thompson is entering the final guaranteed season of his three-year, $50 million contract and is scheduled to earn $17.5 million in 2026-27.
Gafford, meanwhile, enters the first season of a three-year, $54.4 million contract. The 27-year-old averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 55 games during the 2025-26 season while shooting an efficient 65.5% from the field. His rim-running ability and interior defense continue to make him an attractive option for teams seeking frontcourt help.
Dallas appears to be weighing whether Gafford’s trade value outweighs his on-court production. Stein indicated the Mavericks have been holding out for a first-round draft pick in return, a price that has yet to be met despite more than a month of league-wide discussions.
The franchise has several frontcourt decisions to make after selecting Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Dallas also added Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea later in the first round after a draft-night trade and selected forward Tobi Lawal in the second round, giving the organization additional young talent as it transitions toward a younger core.
Flagg emerged as Dallas’ centerpiece during his rookie season, averaging a team-high 21.0 points along with 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists across 70 games. Max Christie also established himself as a reliable perimeter contributor by averaging 12.3 points while shooting 40.4% from three-point range, while Naji Marshall contributed 15.2 points per game on 51.0% shooting.
The Mavericks finished 12th in the Western Conference after posting a 26-56 record, missing the postseason by a wide margin. That disappointing finish has fueled an offseason focused on increasing roster flexibility while determining which veterans fit alongside Flagg’s long-term timeline.
For now, Stein stressed there is no certainty that Gafford will be moved before the season begins. Dallas continues listening to offers, but unless another team meets its asking price, the veteran center could remain part of the Mavericks’ rotation when the 2026-27 season tips off.
