Sacramento kept its core in place and leaned into a championship chase rather than an overhaul, keeping Domantas Sabonis alongside DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine in summer plans while adding Dennis Schroder to steer the offense at point guard. The Kings also added depth via two 2025 draftees, Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, and signaled further activity ahead of the season. A Sporting News mock trade paired Sabonis with four Mavericks pieces (Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Caleb Martin, Jaden Hardy) plus a 2029 first-round pick in a bold swap, with Isaac Jones swapped in as part of the package. The hypothetical move would give Sacramento a defensive center in Gafford and a longer, versatile bench (Martin and Hardy) while leaving Mavericks’ frontcourt options open, potentially pairing Sabonis with Anthony Davis others for a formidable front line. The piece underscores Sacramento’s willingness to explore grand swaps while remaining wary of gutting its core.

The Dallas Mavericks had a relatively quiet offseason, focusing on stability rather than flashy moves. Key players Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford received contract extensions, and the team added veteran guard D'Angelo Russell. Evaluating young talent was a priority, with No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and two-way players Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly showing promise during the Summer League. With 16 players under contract, roster adjustments are imminent as the Mavericks prepare for the upcoming season.

Kessler Edwards, a versatile forward, faces uncertainty as he is ineligible for another two-way contract. The Mavericks must navigate roster cuts to accommodate upcoming re-signings, particularly of veteran guard Dante Exum. Meanwhile, discussions around extending P.J. Washington will soon come to fruition, presenting Dallas an opportunity to solidify their roster for the coming year.

The Dallas Mavericks are at a crossroads regarding their frontcourt depth, particularly focusing on the injury concerns surrounding Dereck Lively II. Despite his potential, Lively's foot injuries raise doubts about his reliability as a long-term solution at center. In contrast, Daniel Gafford has stepped up since joining the team, showcasing his durability and defensive prowess. With key players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis also recovering from injuries, the Mavericks' championship aspirations hinge on the development of rookie Cooper Flagg. As they build around Flagg, the emphasis on player durability is paramount, possibly making Gafford a more dependable option for the future.

The Dallas Mavericks have signed center Daniel Gafford to a lucrative three-year, $54 million contract, which has sparked speculation regarding his future with the team. Gafford's deal breaks down to $17.2 million in year one, $18.1 million in year two, and $18.9 million in year three, without any trade restrictions, allowing the Mavericks flexibility in roster management.

This financial decision raises the possibility of Gafford being traded, particularly as the Mavericks aim to bolster their guard position. With a strong frontcourt anchored by Gafford, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II, they have depth that could support a trade for a high-scoring guard to enhance their championship potential. Gafford's performance, while solid, may prompt the Mavericks to pursue a more impactful player to complement star Luka Dončić, especially if they decide to move on from him.

The Dallas Mavericks have secured their center, Daniel Gafford, with a multi-year contract extension that is reportedly worth nearly $60 million over three years. This extension solidifies the Mavs' frontcourt, keeping Gafford alongside emerging star Dereck Lively II and veteran Anthony Davis. In his time with Dallas, Gafford has demonstrated his scoring ability and defensive prowess, averaging 11.9 points and 1.8 blocks per game while battling through injuries.

Having been a key player since his acquisition at the 2024 trade deadline, Gafford's contributions have made him a vital piece of the Mavericks’ roster. Despite facing injury issues last season, his career-high performance and consistent play have proven invaluable. The extension ensures Gafford will remain in Dallas through the 2028-29 season, a promising prospect for a team aiming for a strong future.