Through the first ten games of the 2025-26 NBA season (and the Cooper Flagg era), the Dallas Mavericks are 3-7.
They boast the second-worst record in the Western Conference and have the second-worst offense, in front of only the Indiana Pacers. It’s a far cry from the immediate success the front office expected after trading away Luka Doncic.
“Next year when our team comes back, we’re going to be competing for a championship,” Nico Harrison promised last April. Look at how far they’ve fallen!
In an effort to salvage their season, Dallas is rumored to be shopping Klay Thompson on the trade market. However, his value has never been lower. Flagg and the 2026 first-round pick should be untouchable, although with Harrison, you never know.
A recent insight points to how the Mavericks will approach the 2026 trade deadline.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 05: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to a turnover during the second half app at American Airlines Center on November 05, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks’ Stance On Trading Daniel Gafford
In six games wth the Mavericks so far, Daniel Gafford is averaging 8.8 points and 4.4 rebounds, although injuries have held him back.
As a proven starting center on a reasonable contract, Gafford is the best trade candidate on the roster. However, fans shouldn’t expect a deal anytime soon.
“External interest in Gafford is sure to surface, league sources say, but the Mavericks to this point have not entertained the idea of trading him,” reported insider Marc Stein on November 9th. “How could they, with Dereck Lively II, their would-be center of the future, limited to just three games played thus far due to a knee sprain?”
Lively II has been sidelined for much of the season. However, the on/off numbers point to him being Flagg’s best teammate, albeit in a limited sample size.
Gafford’s time in Dallas as a starter is ending, and once Lively II returns, he should be relegated to the bench. Still, he is keeping them afloat while the third-year center recovers, so maybe patience is in fact a virtue.
On the other hand, striking early in the season when there’s still time to salvage the campaign is necessary.
Why Dallas Mavericks Must Trade Daniel Gafford
Would fans riot if Harrison were allowed to conduct another trade? Perhaps. There have been calls for his job since last February, and the Mavericks’ struggles haven’t done him any favors.
Still, trading Gafford has to be on the table.
In the long term, it would open valuable minutes for Lively II to get even more experience, especially alongside Flagg. In the short term, Davis could slot into the center spot. He’s done it before, to much success, and there’s no reason why he can’t play center in a depleted lineup.
Moving on from their massive frontcourt would also force Jason Kidd to play a point guard next to Flagg, which seems necessary for his development into a star. Once healthy, a lineup of Flagg, Davis, Lively II, PJ Washington, and Kyrie Irving sounds solid, especially with Thompson, Max Christie, and Naji Marshall off the bench.
For now, the Mavericks can swap out the injured Irving for D’Angelo Russell. He has not been given much of a chance at anything.
In order to save the season, Dallas has to trade Gafford. In order to set up for the future, trading Gafford is the best thing.
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