With just hours left to go before the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, the Washington Wizards will trade Daniel Gafford to the Dallas Mavericks, per the latest news.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Washington will receive Richaun Holmes and draft compensation in return.
Despite the Wizards’ struggles, Gafford has had a good season so far. In 45 games, Gafford is averaging a career-high 10.9 points and 8 rebounds per game. Additionally, Gafford is shooting an impressive 69% from the field. Last night in a loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Gafford recorded a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double. Furthermore, Gafford recorded four blocks and a steal.
Earlier in the week, reports suggested Gafford was a popular trade target ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, per The Athletic:
As expected, the Wizards are well and truly out of the playoff picture and firmly in a rebuild. That means all of their veterans have popped up on the trade market in one way or another. Gafford, the Wizards’ current starting center, is a popular name that other teams are interested in acquiring.
The 25-year-old is in the first year of his three-year, $40.18 million contract extension.
NBA News: Washington Wizards Trade Daniel Gafford
What Daniel Gafford Will Bring to the Mavericks
Gafford is an amazing rebounder and shot-blocker who is an efficient scorer in the paint. Additionally, at 6’10”, Gafford has great size for either big man position. Gafford is also very athletic and has high energy on both sides of the ball. With an explosive offensive backcourt in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Gafford will complement them will. It will be interesting to see how Dallas will work Gafford into their lineup with Dereck Lively having an impressive rookie season.
A couple of seasons ago, then teammate Bradley Beal talked about Gafford’s defense:
His rim protection is up there with some of the best in the league… his ceiling is whatever he wants it to be, honestly.
Additionally, star forward Kyle Kuzma once likened Gafford to NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain:
I call him Wilt Chamberlain sometimes. He just be blocking [expletive] for no reason.
The Last Word on the Daniel Gafford Trade
This trade seems like a no-brainer for Dallas. Dallas beefs up their defense while also getting younger. The 30-year-old Holmes only played 23 games for the team this season. Plus, he was not used regularly in the rotation. Trading him for a potential All-Star big man who is under contract for multiple seasons is a good move for the Mavericks. Additionally, with other teams being interested in Gafford’s services, it is good for Dallas they ultimately won the sweepstakes. The Mavericks currently have a 28-23 record and own the No.8 seed in the Western Conference. With this move, Dallas is in good shape to make a playoff push in the second half of the season.
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