The Dallas Mavericks must find a new point guard with Kyrie Irving recovering from an ACL injury. Limited cap space complicates free agency, making a trade likely. Daniel Gafford is the leading candidate to be moved to acquire needed backcourt help.
Credit: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks are entering a pivotal offseason with a glaring need: a reliable point guard.
With Kyrie Irving sidelined due to a torn ACL, the team is left with limited options at the position—Brandon Williams and Jaden Hardy are the only natural guards on the roster. Unless they deploy Naji Marshall in an unconventional lead guard role, the Mavericks must look externally to address the void.
Unfortunately, the path forward is complicated. The most viable free agent options—D’Angelo Russell, Chris Paul, and Malcolm Brogdon—are unlikely fits due to the Mavericks’ limited cap flexibility under tax apron constraints. That reality makes a trade the most probable solution.
This begs the question: who might Dallas be willing to part with in a deal?
Trade Chips: Gafford and Washington in the Spotlight
The focus has landed squarely on Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. Both were instrumental in the Mavericks' transformation into a Finals-caliber team after being acquired at the 2024 trade deadline.
They are each entering the final year of their contracts, valued at just over $14 million—a figure that complicates potential extensions given the looming financial obligations to Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and young center Dereck Lively II.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dallas would prefer to keep both players, though practical considerations may force their hand.
“I’m not sitting here saying they won’t be traded… I just think their preference is they would love to find a way to not have to surrender either one. I just don’t know if that’s practical.”
Gafford: The More Likely Trade Candidate
If the Mavericks are forced to choose, Daniel Gafford seems more likely to be moved. With teams like the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers desperate for upgrades at center, and Dallas already deep at the position with Lively and Davis, Gafford’s expiring contract holds significant trade value.
His departure could open the door for Dallas to acquire a much-needed point guard without severely weakening the roster.
Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.