The Dallas Mavericks have reportedly reached an agreement to extend center Daniel Gafford’s contract by three years and $54 million, securing a key piece of their frontcourt through 2029.
The contract, which has seemingly not been officially signed yet, would keep Gafford in Dallas through the 2028-29 season with an average yearly salary of roughly $18 million, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein.
Daniel Gafford’s looming contract extension with the Mavericks is a three-year deal worth $54 million, league sources say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 23, 2025
Gafford is entering the final season of a three-year contract worth $40.2 million and is scheduled to make just over $14.3 million during the 2025-26 season.
The 6-foot-10 center has become one of the most important players for the Mavericks since being traded to the team from the Washington Wizards during the 2023-24 season, averaging 11.9 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 72.7% from the field.
Elite Defense and Contract Flexibility
Gafford was also one of the best defensive big men in the league during the 2024-25 season, ranking inside the top-10 in field-goal defense as the contesting defender among players to contest 800 shots, according to Shams Charania.
One interesting aspect about this contract is that it does not include a six-month no trade clause, meaning Dallas could trade Gafford at any time during the upcoming offseason, as reported by NBA Salary Cap Analyst Yossi Gozlan.
This wrinkle in the contract comes amid rumors that the team could look to move Gafford for additional depth pieces, with the franchise reportedly exploring that option, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Lively’s Rise Adds Pressure
Although Gafford has been one of the most consistent players for the Mavericks during his time with the franchise, the team will presumably transition into making third-year center Dereck Lively a full time starter in the near future.
As a result, the Mavericks could look to trade Gafford during this offseason or at some point next season to collect various depth pieces for a potential deep playoff run.
This contract extension ensures that Dallas has flexibility to complete these deals with a tradeable contract while also giving Gafford financial security on any team he is a member of in the future.
Roster Decisions Loom
Dallas will also have to make decisions on multiple other players on the roster, with Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, and Dwight Powell all expected to be eligible for extensions in the coming days.
Both Irving and Washington are expected to play a major role for the Mavericks during the 2025-26 season and could look to sign large extensions with the team this offseason.
Meanwhile, Powell has been a member of the Mavericks since the 2014-15 season and will likely pursue an extension as well.