Mavericks predicted to trade $40 million NBA Finals starter

The Mavericks may be forced to move on from a key piece from their run to the 2024 NBA Finals.

Mar 31, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Brooklyn Nets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks may have to get creative this offseason as they look to add a quality point guard and stay tax compliant. As much as they'd like to keep their current core of players, it may just not be feasible.

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report published a list of the most likely player from each team to be traded, listing Daniel Gafford for the Mavericks.

READ MORE: Mavericks named top trade destination for Lakers star

Jan 25, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

"Winning the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes plops the Dallas Mavericks into second-apron territory. It'll be a genuine surprise if they don't escape it.

"The Mavericks' margins are thin enough that they could try compensating some team to take on Dwight Powell's $4 million salary to skirt the second-apron line. But their need for another ball-handler, particularly while Kyrie Irving recovers from an ACL injury, will compel president of basketball operations Nico Harrison to think bigger.

"Enter Daniel Gafford.

"The 26-year-old is heading into the final year of his contract, and his future with the Mavericks is dicey at best. Anthony Davis may fancy himself a power forward, but Flagg should be deployed at the 4 for stretches.

"AD and Dereck Lively II are more than enough to get Dallas by at center, and even if it wants another big, exploring more cost-effective options than Gafford's $14.4 million salary makes too much sense not to happen."

Although it's been said that the Mavericks would prefer to keep Gafford, it may not be realistic given how deep their frontcourt is and how much they believe in Dereck Lively II.

READ MORE: New report on Mavericks' interest in Dylan Harper in NBA Draft

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