NBA Mock Trade: Mavericks Deal Daniel Gafford To Miami Heat For Andrew Wiggins

The Dallas Mavericks are exploring a Daniel Gafford trade for Andrew Wiggins from the Miami Heat, a move that could strengthen their championship push alongside Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Cooper Flagg.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Brooklyn Nets at the American Airlines Center. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks are in win-now mode with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis both in their early 30s. Their window is now, and they need to make their move. They have a few pieces to move, including Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington. Their frontcourt role players are now expendable with the additions of Cooper Flagg and AD over the past year. There is one secondary star that is on the trade block whom they could target in a deal.

The Miami Heat are looking to move on from forward Andrew Wiggins. He could help put a team like the Mavericks over the top as a potential championship contender. Wiggins is an impressive contributor on both sides of the ball who fits perfectly in Dallas. 

Dallas Mavericks - Miami Heat NBA Mock Trade

Mavericks Receive

F - Andrew Wiggins

Heat Receive

C - Daniel Gafford

F - PJ Washington

First Round Pick

Editor's Note: A third team may need to be added to make the salaries work on both sides of the equation.

Why The Trade Makes Sense For The Mavericks

Wiggins fits perfectly in a starting lineup at small forward alongside Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, and Anthony Davis. That is a starting five that can make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs. They would be getting a player who contributes on both sides of the ball and brings championship culture from the Golden State Warriors. He would be a fantastic addition for the Mavs, and they can survive just fine without both Gafford and Washington. 

Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Why The Trade Makes Sense For The Heat

If the Heat are determined to move off of Wiggins, this is a solid return. Gafford is a good center who averaged 12.3 and 6.8 last season. His presence at center is needed in Miami. He'd slide in nicely in their frontcourt next to Bam Adebayo. Washington would be a direct replacement for Wiggins at center. On offense, he averages 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. That's compared to Wiggins' 18 points per game, along with 4.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Washington is also four years younger. 

Fantasy Basketball Impact

Wiggins would likely see his offensive numbers dip, being surrounded by so many stars in Dallas. Conversely, Washington should see his offensive numbers spike heading to South Beach. While Gafford could be useful in Dallas due to AD's injury woes, he will get a lot more playing time in Miami now that they have Flagg and AD in their frontcourt.