Daniel Gafford’s recent contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks is more than just a standard deal—it’s a major signal of intent from both the player and the franchise. Agreeing to a three-year, \$54 million extension with a no-trade clause included, Gafford is officially locked in as a central figure in Dallas’ plans for the foreseeable future. This is not only a personal triumph for Gafford, who has steadily risen through the ranks to carve out a reliable NBA career, but also a strategic commitment from the Mavericks, who are clearly building a roster that aims to contend at the highest levels in the coming seasons. At \$18 million per year and with the unique protection of a no-trade clause, Gafford is positioned as a foundational piece rather than a mere role player. This contract is a reflection of his recent performance, his evolving skill set, and the larger blueprint that the Mavericks are working on under the leadership of head coach Jason Kidd and superstar Luka Dončić.
Daniel Gafford’s journey in the NBA has not been straightforward or saturated with the limelight. Drafted in the second round by the Chicago Bulls in 2019, Gafford was not initially seen as a surefire success story. Like many second-round picks, he entered the league with little fanfare and was expected to earn his keep through hustle, defense, and energy. And that’s exactly what he did. Over time, Gafford established himself as a rim-running big man, one who could protect the paint, finish lobs, and rebound at a high level. After being traded to the Washington Wizards, he took a leap in his development, showing greater consistency and earning a reputation as one of the better shot-blockers in the Eastern Conference. But it wasn’t until his arrival in Dallas that he truly began to thrive in a system that maximized his strengths.
The trade that brought Gafford to Dallas mid-season in 2024 proved to be one of the more under-the-radar but impactful acquisitions of the year. His fit with Luka Dončić was nearly seamless. Dončić, arguably the best playmaker in the league, excels at finding bigs in the pick-and-roll, and Gafford gave him a vertical spacing threat that had previously been lacking. Gafford’s ability to dive hard to the rim, catch in traffic, and finish with authority made him a constant lob target and opened up lanes for the Mavericks’ perimeter scorers. Defensively, he was a stabilizing presence. Though he isn’t quite on the level of a Rudy Gobert or a Brook Lopez when it comes to anchoring a defense, Gafford’s timing, instincts, and mobility allowed him to serve as an effective deterrent around the basket.
The Mavericks’ deep playoff run in 2024, culminating in a Finals appearance, was made possible in large part due to the balance Gafford brought to their frontcourt. With his motor, rim protection, and screen-setting, Gafford complemented both Dončić and Kyrie Irving perfectly. While stars get the headlines, teams don’t reach the Finals without role players like Gafford executing their jobs to near perfection. And it’s precisely because of this performance that the Mavericks were motivated to secure his services for the long haul.
The three-year, \$54 million deal is market-friendly given the rising salary cap and the value of a starting-caliber center in today’s NBA. In an era where versatility, switchability, and athleticism at the five position are increasingly coveted, Gafford checks many of the boxes. He’s not a floor-spacer, which can be a drawback in some offensive schemes, but he makes up for that by being an elite finisher around the rim. His field goal percentage has consistently ranked among the league’s best, a reflection of his shot selection and his effectiveness in the paint. Moreover, Gafford’s conditioning and durability have improved, allowing him to shoulder more minutes and play in high-leverage moments without wearing down.
The inclusion of a no-trade clause is perhaps the most striking part of this agreement. It’s a rarity in the NBA, typically reserved for superstars or veteran players with significant leverage. That Gafford was able to secure such a clause suggests not only that Dallas views him as indispensable, but also that he wanted stability. For a player who has already been traded multiple times in his young career, having control over his future is both empowering and reassuring. It also speaks volumes about the mutual trust between Gafford and the Mavericks organization. No-trade clauses are a sign of long-term investment, of a partnership built on mutual respect and aligned goals.
From a team-building perspective, this move also gives the Mavericks some clarity. With Gafford locked in alongside Dončić and Irving, the front office can turn its attention to reinforcing the bench and adding wing depth, knowing that the spine of the team is secure. Gafford’s presence gives Dallas the flexibility to experiment with small-ball or two-big lineups, and his willingness to do the dirty work—set screens, contest shots, box out—is invaluable. He is the kind of player who doesn’t need touches to impact the game, and in a team dominated by two high-usage guards, that is a critical trait.
There’s also a cultural dimension to this extension. Gafford brings a certain edge to the floor. He plays with emotion, talks on defense, and brings a physicality that the Mavericks have sometimes lacked. He’s the kind of player who energizes teammates and irritates opponents. His demeanor and work ethic embody the “lunch-pail” mentality that every contender needs, especially in a grueling Western Conference packed with elite big men like Nikola Jokić, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Gafford may not be a household name, but his impact is felt in every possession he’s on the floor.
In locking Gafford down, the Mavericks are also making a bet on continuity. In recent years, Dallas has undergone several roster overhauls, trying to find the right mix around Dončić. There have been misses—Kristaps Porziņģis didn’t pan out the way they hoped—but there have also been successes, like the late-season chemistry between Dončić and Gafford. Instead of constantly chasing new pieces, the Mavericks seem to be doubling down on what worked last season and aiming to build cohesion. Championship teams aren’t just built on talent; they’re built on understanding, trust, and repetition. Gafford is now part of that blueprint.
The contract also has ripple effects across the league. For other big men looking for extensions or new deals, Gafford’s contract sets a benchmark. His \$18 million annual salary is a fair, middle-tier number that reflects both his production and the current market. It’s a signal to teams that players of Gafford’s mold—athletic, defensive-minded, and efficient—remain highly valued in today’s game. It also suggests that teams are willing to reward intangibles like chemistry and fit just as much as raw stats.
For Gafford personally, this is a moment of validation. From his roots in El Dorado, Arkansas, to a standout college career at Arkansas, to being overlooked in the draft, he’s had to prove himself every step of the way. This contract is not just a payday—it’s proof that the NBA values players who stay ready, improve steadily, and adapt to their roles. It’s a testament to his resilience and growth, both as a player and a professional.
As the Mavericks prepare for the 2025 season, expectations will be sky-high. Dončić is in his prime, Kyrie Irving is still capable of elite shot-making, and now Gafford is locked in as the defensive anchor. The Western Conference remains a gauntlet, but Dallas has assembled a core that’s battle-tested, balanced, and hungry. The Gafford extension isn’t just a transaction—it’s a statement of belief. Belief in a player who’s earned every dollar. Belief in a system that values fit over flash. And belief that, with the right pieces in place, a championship isn’t just a dream but a destination within reach.
