DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are locking down a key piece of their interior future, as center Daniel Gafford intends to sign a three-year contract extension worth nearly $60 million, league sources told ESPN on Monday.
The extension — negotiated between Mavericks brass and Gafford’s representatives, Mike George and Shy Saee of Klutch Sports — will keep the 26-year-old under contract through the 2028-29 season. Gafford is scheduled to earn roughly $14 million in the 2025-26 campaign before the new deal begins.
Since arriving in Dallas via trade from the Washington Wizards in 2024, Gafford has been a vital part of the Mavericks’ success, including their surge to the NBA Finals that same season. His athleticism, defensive instincts, and elite rim-running ability made him a natural fit alongside franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić.
Gafford’s value has only increased amid Dallas’ aggressive retooling of its frontcourt. The Mavericks are now set to feature a dominant big-man rotation that includes rising star Dereck Lively II, future Hall of Famer and All-NBA forward Anthony Davis, and likely No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg — all of whom bring size, versatility, and high-level defensive acumen.
While not the flashiest name in the lineup, Gafford has quietly produced at an elite level. His 71% career field goal percentage ranks first in the NBA among players with at least 1,000 field goal attempts since he entered the league in 2019. Defensively, he has emerged as a reliable shot-changer, finishing last season ranked top 10 in field goal percentage allowed on contested shots (minimum 800 contests).
In an era where spacing and skill dominate headlines, Dallas has doubled down on physicality, length, and interior efficiency — and securing Gafford long-term signals their continued commitment to that identity.
