Just under a month into the 2025-26 NBA campaign, trade rumors are already circulating as the Dallas Mavericks’ early-season front office shake-up is expected to cause significant ripple effects.
While Mavericks superstar forward Anthony Davis could be the biggest fish available ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, another member of their frontcourt is considered the more likely candidate to be dealt.
7-Year Veteran Identified As Mavericks’ Likeliest NBA Trade Deadline Departure
After firing general manager Nico Harrison on Tuesday and appointing his assistants, Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley, as co-interim GMs, Dallas could be headed for big changes. The organization is no longer bound by Harrison’s commitment to rostering aging, defensive-minded players, opening the door to a possible move for scoring and playmaking reinforcements.
In his Sunday newsletter, NBA insider Marc Stein shed light on the Mavericks’ plans amid their underwhelming 4-10 start as they look to prioritize 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg’s best interests.
According to Stein, “rival teams are certainly already expecting” Dallas to trade Davis to boost its 2026 draft lottery odds. However, the 10-time All-Star’s durability concerns are anticipated to cause a hang-up in trade negotiations unless he “puts together a sustained stretch of productive basketball in December and January.”
Davis has appeared in just five contests this season due to a nagging left calf strain. The 32-year-old isn’t scheduled to be re-evaluated for another seven to 10 days, making his three-year, $175.4 million contract a massive risk for rival teams to absorb.
Per Stein, this leaves big man Daniel Gafford, whose name has been floated in the rumor mill in recent weeks, as the “most tradeable Maverick.” The league insider cited the seven-year veteran’s team-friendly three-year, $54.4 million contract extension, which kicks in next season, as a key selling point.
Still, Stein noted that “injuries that have frequently derailed Davis and [Dallas center] Dereck Lively II add a layer of complication even to Gafford’s status.”
Given his proven skill set as a rim runner and shot blocker, and relatively affordable $14.4 million salary this season, Gafford should be a prime target for competitive teams in need of a rotation-caliber center. The Toronto Raptors have been reported as a potential landing spot, though trade talks are expected to drag out with the deadline still months away.
Through nine appearances this season, Gafford is averaging 10.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, shooting 66.1%. He has been lauded as a positive locker room presence, particularly for Flagg, amid the Mavericks’ struggles, possibly boosting his trade appeal.