1 player Mavericks must avoid being traded before the deadline

The NBA trade deadline is just around the corner. Trade rumors are swirlingbut will Dallas Mavericks make any moves?

The Mavs roster has been decimated by injuries this season. Among the Mavs is Luka Dončić, who was forced to miss significant time due to injury. With so many injuries and a record just above .500, there are serious questions about what Dallas will do before the NBA trade deadline.

Regardless of whether the Mavericks are aggressive in trades or not, they should avoid moving Daniel Gafford.

Why the Mavericks Should Avoid Trading Daniel Gafford

Gafford, a 26-year-old center, is in the midst of one of his best seasons in the NBA. The Mavs acquired Gafford before last year’s trade deadline and that move has produced quality results.

In 2024-25, Gafford averaged 12.2 points per game while shooting 70.7 percent from the field. He also averages 6.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.3 assists per outing.

Gafford is under contract through the 2025-26 season. So why would the Mavs avoid trading him? After all, he would be a popular trade candidate since he still has another year under contract and Gafford is playing especially well in 2024-25.

Derek Lively II is expected to miss two to three months with an ankle injury. The Mavs have already suffered from rebounding issues this year, so trading Gafford and playing without Lively could spell disaster for the team. In addition, they would lose the important rim protection and finishing ability that the Gafford offers.

But what if the Mavericks could acquire a reliable wing in a trade? No matter, as Gafford has become one of the most important players on the roster. If the Mavs still want to make a serious postseason run, then keeping Gafford will be key.

Should the Mavericks make a trade?

Deciding against trading Gafford doesn’t mean Dallas should completely abandon the idea of ​​making a deal. Dallas can still try to get help via trade, but should look to move other players. Of course, we know that some players are prohibited from trade talks, such as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Obviously, there are also chances that PJ Washington or Derek Lively II will be moved.

Still, Nico Harrison could showcase his impressive general manager skills with another move or two before the NBA trade deadline. Last season, the Mavericks were in the midst of an up-and-down year before Harrison acquired both Gafford and Washington at the deadline. These moves created momentum, as Dallas finished the season strong and eventually made it to the NBA Finals.

Will it happen again this season? Only time will tell, but the Mavs have the potential to compete at a high level. They have yet to live up to their injury expectations, but the team should not be counted out.

Yes, the Mavericks should still pursue a trade if it will help the roster. However, the Mavericks should avoid trading Daniel Gafford away before the upcoming NBA trade deadline.