Mavericks sign key piece to $54 million extension amid trade rumors

Gafford and Washington seemed like the two likeliest to be moved, given they're set to enter the last years of their deals and not guaranteed to start.

However, ESPN's Shams Charania and NBA insider Marc Stein have reported that Gafford is expected to sign a three-year, $54 million contract extension to remain with the Dallas Mavericks, per his agency, Klutch Sports.

This gives the Mavs a terrific tandem of Gafford and Lively, always roaming the paint when they're healthy. That was an issue last year as Lively dealt with a stress fracture in his ankle and Gafford missed time with a sprained MCL.

Gafford averaged a career-high 12.3 PPG last season, along with 6.8 RPG and 1.8 BPG. Because of the extension, depending on when he signs it, he won't be able to be traded until midway through next season.

Anthony Davis prefers playing power forward, and with Lively and Gafford locked in (barring a shocking trade of Lively) for the next few seasons, he'll have that opportunity. Whether or not it'll work is the bigger question.

The Mavericks acquired Gafford in a trade with the Washington Wizards at the 2024 trade deadline, and he instantly helped improve the team's defense on their run to the NBA Finals. He wanted to make starter-level money, and at an average of $18 million per year, he gets his wish while still being a decent deal for the Mavs.