Sources: Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks Agree to New Contract Extension

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford has agreed to sign a three-year contract extension worth $54 million with no player option in the final season, sources confirmed to DallasHoopsJournal.com.

The extension will keep Gafford under contract through the 2028–29 season. He is set to earn nearly $14.4 million in 2025–26 before the new deal begins in 2026–27. The structure of the extension keeps him eligible for trades under the league’s current salary cap rules.

Gafford, who turns 27 in October, was acquired from the Washington Wizards during the 2023–24 season in one of two key trades that fueled the Mavericks’ run to the NBA Finals. Since arriving in Dallas, he has become a key part of the team’s frontcourt rotation.

The 6-foot-10 center averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.8 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game last season. He shot 70.2% from the field and 68.9% from the free-throw line while serving as an efficient finisher and reliable rim protector.

A second-round pick by the Chicago Bulls in 2019, Gafford played two seasons in Chicago before establishing himself with the Wizards and, later, the Mavericks.

Dallas has retooled its roster since its Finals appearance. Gafford is now part of a crowded and imposing frontcourt that includes All-NBA big man Anthony Davis, 21-year-old center Dereck Lively II, and presumed No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.