The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to resign and lock in center Daniel Gafford with a three-year contract extension, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The deal reportedly is worth approximately $54-60 million, keeping him under team control through the 2028–29 season.

Last season, Gafford posted career highs – averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game – until an MCL injury in February sidelined him for 21 games. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Dallas was clear-eyed: they wanted to reward his impact and ensure continuity in their frontcourt without limiting future trade flexibility .

Gafford has stood out as one of the league's most efficient big men – boasting a career field goal percentage near 71%, the best since his 2019 debut. His consistent rim-finishing and altered shot-blocking presence provided stability when Dereck Lively II and mid-season acquisition Anthony Davis dealt with injuries.

ANALYSIS: The extension aligns with Dallas's broader strategy of having a defensive team under Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd. Amid a deep frontcourt that now includes Davis, Lively, and presumed No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft Cooper Flagg, Gafford’s deal preserves roster balance and cap flexibility. Mavericks insiders note this structured contract keeps him trade‑eligible, offering potential future maneuvering room.

Retaining Gafford solidifies the Mavericks’ interior rotation with a reliable defender and lob-threat, and it gives them one of the best frontcourt depths in the league. His presence ensures cohesion and allows smoother integration of incoming talent like Flagg, which is why roster continuation is key. Finally, Dallas secured a core component without hampering future options or trade value with this strategic flexibility move.

Gafford’s re-signing signals the Mavericks’ commitment to building around their existing nucleus while maintaining flexibility for growth in the coming years.