NBA Insider Drops Shocking Mavericks Trade Rumor That Once Seemed Impossible

The Dallas Mavericks are navigating one of the most turbulent periods in franchise history as the 2025-26 NBA season unfolds. Just under a year after the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, the Mavericks find themselves mired in trade rumors once again. But this time, the buzz centers on a player whose trade value appeared all but evaporated just weeks ago: center Daniel Gafford.

In a revelation that has stunned Mavericks fans and NBA analysts alike, respected insider Tim Cato—covering the team for The Athletic—dropped a bombshell during a recent appearance on the Locked On Mavericks Podcast. Cato stated that Gafford currently boasts the “most robust trade market” among any player on the Dallas roster. “Daniel Gafford has the most robust market, that’s my impression,” Cato said, clarifying that his sourcing points to significant interest from multiple teams.

This development qualifies as truly shocking because, for much of the early season, Gafford’s performance had dipped noticeably. Coming off a strong 2024-25 campaign where he provided elite rim protection and efficient finishing as Dereck Lively II’s backup, Gafford struggled with consistency in the opening months of 2025-26. Fans and pundits openly questioned whether his trade value had plummeted to the point of being unmovable without attaching assets. Trading Gafford seemed impossible—or at least highly improbable—given those early struggles.

Yet, here we are. Cato’s report flips the script entirely. Why the sudden surge in interest? Several factors align perfectly for contending teams looking for frontcourt depth.

First, Gafford’s contract is exceptionally team-friendly. He recently signed a three-year, $54 million extension that doesn’t kick in until next season, offering long-term security at a reasonable rate for a proven big man. In an era where quality centers command premium salaries, Gafford represents tremendous value—especially for teams operating near the luxury tax thresholds.

Second, despite his early-season hiccups, Gafford has rebounded strongly in recent weeks. His athleticism, shot-blocking prowess, and ability to finish lobs remain elite. Scouts and executives recognize that his dip was likely temporary, perhaps tied to adjustment issues following the seismic Dončić-Davis swap and the integration of rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.

Third, the broader context of the Mavericks’ roster creates urgency. Star big man Anthony Davis has dominated trade speculation for weeks, with reports linking him to teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Clippers. Davis’s injury history and massive salary ($54+ million this season) complicate potential deals, but his name draws headlines.

Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II—once viewed as the future at center—is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to lingering complications from right foot surgery. This leaves Dallas perilously thin in the frontcourt. Trading Gafford could fetch valuable assets, such as first-round picks or young talent, but it risks exposing a glaring hole behind Davis.

As one source close to the situation noted (paraphrasing Cato’s insights), teams are inquiring about Gafford precisely because his market is hotter than anticipated. Contenders needing a defensive anchor off the bench see him as a plug-and-play option who won’t break the bank long-term.

Why This Rumor Feels “Impossible” No More

Rewind to mid-December 2025: Gafford’s name barely surfaced in trade chatter. Analysts speculated that Dallas might have to include him as a salary filler in any Davis deal just to make numbers work. His early-season stats—down in blocks per game and efficiency—fueled narratives that his value had cratered.

Fast forward to early January 2026: Gafford’s resurgence has coincided with league-wide injuries to big men. Teams like the Bucks (dealing with frontcourt depth issues amid their own Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors) or the Clippers (seeking rim protection) could view him as an ideal target. Even playoff hopefuls in the East, such as the Pistons or Raptors (who’ve also eyed Davis), might pivot to Gafford as a more attainable piece.

The “shocking” element stems from this rapid turnaround. What once seemed impossible—a robust market for a struggling backup center—now appears realistic. Cato’s credibility amplifies the impact; he’s not prone to hyperbole, and his sourcing within the Mavericks’ orbit is strong.

Implications for the Mavericks’ Trade Deadline Strategy

The February 5, 2026, trade deadline looms just a month away, and Dallas sits at a crossroads. With a disappointing record hovering around .500 (exact standings fluctuate, but they’re firmly outside the top playoff seeds in the West), the front office—now under interim leadership following Nico Harrison’s firing—must decide whether to retool around Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving or double down on win-now pieces.

Gafford’s hot market presents a dilemma:

• Trade Him Now: Capitalize on peak value. A return of a first-round pick (perhaps protected) or a young wing could accelerate a rebuild around Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick from 2025 who’s already earning Rookie of the Month honors. Dallas owns limited draft capital until 2031, making any incoming picks precious.
• Keep Him: Preserve depth, especially with Lively out. Pairing Gafford with a healthy Davis could stabilize the interior defense, buying time to evaluate the core.

Complicating matters: If Dallas ultimately moves Davis—the bigger fish in the rumor pond—retaining Gafford becomes essential to avoid a total frontcourt collapse. Sources indicate the Mavs prefer young talent (e.g., Jonathan Kuminga or Zaccharie Risacher) in any Davis deal, but Gafford could serve as a sweetener or separate trade chip.

Broader Context: The Post-Luka Era in Dallas

To fully appreciate the shock value, consider the backdrop. The Dončić-Davis trade, executed in February 2025, ranks among the most controversial in NBA history. Dončić, in his prime, was shipped out for Davis—a proven champion but older and injury-prone. The move drew immediate criticism, especially after Dallas improbably won the 2025 draft lottery (beating 1.8% odds) to select Flagg.

Now, with Davis himself in trade rumors and Gafford emerging as the hottest commodity, the Mavericks appear in full pivot mode. Owner Patrick Dumont and coach Jason Kidd have emphasized patience, wanting to see Flagg alongside veterans like Davis and Irving (when healthy). But Cato’s Gafford intel suggests the front office is actively gauging the market.

Potential Trade Partners for Gafford

While specifics remain scarce, logical suitors include:

• Milwaukee Bucks: Seeking big-man depth amid their struggles.
• Los Angeles Clippers: Always hunting defensive anchors.
• Golden State Warriors: If they pass on a Davis blockbuster, Gafford could be a lower-cost alternative.
• Contending Teams with Cap Flexibility: Anyone needing a cheap, effective center for the playoff push.

A simple framework: Gafford for a late first-rounder and filler. Or bundle him in a multi-team deal.

Fan Reaction and What Comes Next

Mavericks fans, still reeling from the Dončić era’s abrupt end, are divided. Some view trading Gafford as savvy asset management; others fear further depleting a thin roster. Social media buzz has exploded since Cato’s comments, with phrases like “Gafford market hotter than AD?” trending among Dallas supporters.

As the deadline approaches, expect more leaks. If Gafford’s market is indeed “robust,” Dallas could pull the trigger soon—perhaps even before deciding Davis’s fate. This rumor, once deemed impossible, now feels inevitable.

In the unpredictable world of NBA trades, Tim Cato’s drop serves as a reminder: Value can resurrect overnight. For the Mavericks, navigating this shock could define their trajectory for years to come.