The Mavericks are nearing a deal to acquire Daniel Gafford from the Wizards in exchange for Richaun Holmes and draft picks, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Dallas has been in the market for another big man and lands a reliable rim protector in Gafford, who has been Washington’s starting center for the better part of the last three seasons. The 25-year-old is posting career highs across the board with 10.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.2 blocks through 45 games.
Gafford is under contract on a team-friendly deal at $12.4M this season, $13.4M next season and $14.4M for 2025/26. He will fortify the Mavericks’ frontcourt and will likely split time at center with rookie Dereck Lively II.
Holmes, 30, was acquired from the Kings last offseason but never established himself as part of the Mavs’ rotation. He appeared in 23 games, starting two, and averaged 3.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 10.3 minutes per night. He’s making $12M this year and holds a $12.9M player option for next season.
The Mavericks are trying to acquire draft assets from other teams so they can send them to Washington to complete the trade, sources tell Marc Stein. Stein adds that Dallas is close to a deal with the Thunder for draft picks that will be relayed to the Wizards.
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