Mavericks Hold Onto Daniel Gafford Despite Trade Interest

Dallas declines to include a 2026 first-round pick in potential deals with Pacers and Hawks

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Dallas Mavericks opted to keep center Daniel Gafford at the NBA trade deadline, despite interest from the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks. The Mavericks were seeking a 2026 first-round pick in any potential deal, but the Pacers and Hawks were unwilling to include one, leading to the talks stalling.

Why it matters

Gafford has been a productive center for the Mavericks, averaging 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game this season. With the season-ending injury to Dereck Lively II, Gafford is now the Mavericks' only true available center, making him a valuable asset for the team's playoff push.

The details

The Pacers and Hawks were both interested in acquiring Gafford to bolster their frontcourts, but the Mavericks were adamant about receiving a 2026 first-round pick in return. The Pacers were unwilling to part with their 2026 first-rounder, while the Hawks, who have two 2026 first-round picks, were not willing to give up one of them. The Mavericks were also not interested in taking back Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin, as that would have impacted their offseason cap space.

  • The NBA trade deadline was on February 9, 2026.

The players

Daniel Gafford

A productive center for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game this season.

Bennedict Mathurin

A guard for the Indiana Pacers who was reportedly discussed in trade talks with the Mavericks.

Ivica Zubac

A center who was traded from the LA Clippers to the Indiana Pacers as part of a deal involving Bennedict Mathurin.

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What they’re saying

“The issue that ultimately squashed trade talks between the Mavericks and the Pacers and Hawks regarding Daniel Gafford was both teams' unwillingness to include a first round pick in this upcoming draft, which is what the Mavericks were looking for.”

— Brett Siegel, NBA Insider (ClutchPoints)

The takeaway

The Mavericks' decision to hold onto Daniel Gafford despite trade interest from the Pacers and Hawks highlights the team's belief in his value as a productive center, especially with the injury to Dereck Lively II. This move could pay dividends for the Mavericks as they push for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.