The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly gearing up to make a significant roster change, and it could happen any minute now. Despite swatting away trade interest in Kyrie Irving for months, the real action is focused on Daniel Gafford, who Dallas is predicted to cut ties with. This whole situation around a $54 million contract has the team at a crossroads as they try to build around their Rookie of the Year, Cooper Flagg.
The Big Ask for Daniel Gafford’s Future
Sources suggest Daniel Gafford, who turns 28 in October, is Dallas’s top option to move. His remaining contract, three years for $54 million, at $18.1 million annually through 2029, is clearly a hurdle. The Mavs are hoping to snag a first-round pick for him. That’s a huge ask, according to Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney, mainly because of that contract. NBA reporter Evan Sidery confirms their asking price is a protected first-round pick. While there have been limited discussions so far, the interest could skyrocket if Dallas lowers that price. This really shows how serious they are about getting younger and shaking things up.
Kyrie Irving’s Age Gap, and a Potential Roster Reset
The Gafford situation isn’t happening in a vacuum. There’s also Kyrie Irving, the team’s point guard, who’s been the subject of ongoing speculation. The Stein Line’s Marc Stein noted that rival teams are constantly wondering if Dallas will stick to their stance on Irving, especially with the in-season trade deadline on February 11 looming. Irving is 34, while their star forward Cooper Flagg is 19. That’s a massive age gap between your two best players, and it’s fueling curiosity about the team’s long-term plan. For now, it seems the Mavericks’ big rotation next season could be Dereck Lively II, Morez Johnson Jr., and Moussa Cissé, pushing Gafford out the door.
This all points to a potential complete reset for the Mavericks if the season doesn’t kick off the way they want. They’re going to give it a run to see if they can be successful, but if not, a full roster turnover could be on the horizon. Gafford, it seems, could be gone before the season even starts. Dallas is clearly looking to reshape its future, and these early moves are just the beginning.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply