The Dallas Mavericks’ offseason has kicked off earlier than expected, but instead of quietly retooling, the team has found itself in the media spotlight. After unexpectedly landing the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery—and with it, the chance to select Duke star Cooper Flagg—attention has quickly shifted to how the Mavs’ roster will adapt.
One of the first questions raised was the role of P.J. Washington, but soon after, trade speculation began swirling around Daniel Gafford. With a crowded frontcourt that could soon include Flagg, Gafford seemed like a logical trade candidate. Fueling that speculation were comments reported by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, who claimed Gafford was seeking a salary aligned with that of starting centers across the NBA.
However, Gafford is under contract through 2025-26 at just over $14 million per year, so talk of his next payday struck some as premature. Some speculated this was a strategy—either to set expectations for a future extension or to discourage teams from acquiring him by framing him as a short-term rental with expensive demands. But that theory might not hold water.
Gafford Clears the Air
In a recent interaction on Discord, Gafford addressed the rumors directly. He dismissed them as “false social media posts” and said there was “a lot of false info” being spread. His tone suggested he was actively trying to shut down misleading reports, not stir up leverage for a new deal.
While Gafford didn’t clarify his exact stance on future salary negotiations, his response made it clear he’s not interested in letting rumors shape the narrative. He even commented that “rumors lead to tension in the workplace”— not something he wants associated with his name, especially if he’s happy in Dallas and focused on contributing to the team.
Gafford’s Future in Dallas
While rumors may continue, for now, it appears Gafford is committed to staying with the Mavericks and not pushing for an exit or an immediate raise. His presence is vital—especially with his effective tandem alongside Dereck Lively II at center, which would be significantly weakened if he were traded.
As the offseason unfolds, Gafford’s name may still pop up in trade talks, but for the moment, the drama appears to have quieted. He remains a valuable asset for Dallas—even with Flagg expected to enter the mix.
