Daniel Gafford, Mavericks Agree To Three-Year Contract Extension

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford plans to sign a three-year, $54 million contract extension that will keep him in Dallas through the 2028-29 season, according to multiple reports.

The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, is expected to become official in July. It contains no player or team option in the final year, per Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal. Gafford still has one season remaining on his current contract, valued at just over $14.3 million.

The 6-foot-10 Gafford had a breakout campaign in 2024-25, averaging a career-high 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks across 57 games, including 31 starts. He thrived in the pick-and-roll and as a lob threat, finishing at a career 70.9% from the field, among the best efficiency numbers in the league.

While undersized compared to some traditional centers, Gafford has made a name for himself with his rim protection and vertical spacing since entering the NBA in 2019. His timing and motor have made him one of the league’s more reliable shot-blockers, and he played a key role in Dallas’ rotation during its Finals run in 2024.

The extension is structured to stay within the NBA’s extend-and-trade parameters, meaning Gafford will remain eligible to be dealt after signing, as long as the final value stays under $54.3 million, according to Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron. That gives the Mavericks flexibility moving forward if they opt to shift their frontcourt balance.

Even so, the expectation is that Gafford remains a big part of Dallas’ plans, at least in the short term. With rookie Cooper Flagg, veteran Anthony Davis and rising center Dereck Lively projected as starters, Gafford figures to be a key reserve alongside P.J. Washington, forming one of the league’s deeper frontcourts.

For now, Dallas keeps one of its most efficient and dependable interior presences — and does so at a number that won’t hurt the cap sheet.

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