Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford is poised to sign a lucrative three-year contract extension worth nearly $60 million, as reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. This new deal, negotiated between Mavericks officials and Gafford’s agents, Mike George and Shy Saee from Klutch Sports, will keep Gafford with the team through the 2028-29 NBA season.
This extension represents the maximum amount Gafford can secure under the league’s extend-and-trade limits. Starting with a raise from his current salary of $14.4 million for the 2025-26 season, Gafford’s new contract will begin at approximately $17.3 million in 2026-27. With annual increases of 5%, the total value of the deal could reach up to $54.3 million over its duration.
The Mavericks have expressed a strong desire to retain Gafford, along with fellow player PJ Washington, as they look to build a competitive roster. According to Marc Stein, the team’s preference is to avoid trading either player unless absolutely necessary. This sentiment reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining a core group capable of contending in the Western Conference.
Gafford’s potential extension comes at a time when the Mavericks are weighing their options for the offseason. The team is not interested in trading key players like Austin Reaves unless they can secure a top-tier big man in return. Currently, there are few high-caliber centers available in the market, which adds to the Mavericks’ incentive to keep Gafford on board.
At 26 years old, Gafford has established himself as a valuable asset for the Mavericks. His performance and development will be closely monitored, especially since the team also has Davis on a max contract and young center Dereck Lively, who will be eligible for an extension in the near future. Gafford’s desire for a pay raise aligns with his growth as a player, making this contract negotiation critical for both him and the Mavericks.
As the NBA offseason unfolds, Gafford’s extension will be a significant storyline to follow, highlighting the Mavericks’ strategic approach to roster management and their aspirations for future success.