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What Happened to Daniel Gafford? Another Mavericks Big Goes Down vs Grizzlies

Originally posted on EssentiallySports | By Caroline John | Last updated Nov 8, 2025 2:18 AM ET

The last thing the Mavericks needed right now was another injury. But troubles have a way of manifesting in Dallas. On a crucial game against the equally struggling Memphis Grizzlies, the Mavericks lost a key player. Daniel Gafford abruptly left the NBA Cup group stage game. He didn’t return to see Ja Morant explode despite claiming to not have joy. The Grizzlies decimated the Mavericks 118-104 without Gafford around.

The center exited the game with about 10 minutes left in the third quarter. According to the initial report, he suffered an ankle injury. He was ruled out for the rest of the game.

In the all of 12 minutes he played, Gafford only had one single point. This was only the fourth game he played this season. He’s been in and out of games this season because of repeated injuries which is adding to the frustration of fans.

Currently, the only report state he has soreness in his right ankle. The severity of it is not revealed, nor did they specify if he will be available for the next game.

Status alert: Daniel Gafford (ankle) won’t return Friday.

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) November 8, 2025

Without Gafford, the Mavericks are even more shorthanded in the position. He was the backup to Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively who are both injured too. Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse are the next viable options to fill in as centers.

But this crucial injury doesn’t just affect the Mavericks. It could determine the near future for the 27-year-old.

Daniel Gafford is on the trade radar

NBA insiders have pretty much confirmed that Daniel Gafford’s tenure in Dallas is on a notice. Nico Harrison’s front office is looking at him as a tradeable piece and most teams, including the Lakers are monitoring him. His injury history makes this news not very surprising.

What is shocking is that the Mavs could potentially club him with Klay Thompson in a blockbuster trade. Cap hasn’t been averaging like a Dub at all this season on the occasions he is healthy either. Also, it can’t be discounted that Thompson took a trade to Dallas because he had championship aspirations alongside Luka Doncic before that heart attack in a trade.

Gafford was part of that scenario when he was acquired at the 2024 trade deadline. However, since the last time he enabled the Mavs in a post-season, his productivity has dipped. He’s been at 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds across the games he has played in 2025-26. He averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 57 games in 2024-25.

Gafford’s latest injury might deter teams like the Lakers or Grizzlies, who have their own injury troubles than take on new ones. If he can improve his prospects remain to be seen. Especially when the Mavs take on the Wizards tomorrow.

This article first appeared on EssentiallySports and was syndicated with permission.

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