Daniel Gafford intends to sign a three-year, $60 million extension to stay with the Dallas Mavericks, per a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 26-year-old Gafford will make roughly $14 million next season before his extension kicks in, which will carry him through the 2028-29 season.
Given the current circumstances in Dallas, many were unsure if Gafford would remain with the team. However, he is now here to stay, joining a loaded frontcourt that includes Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, and the soon-to-be first-overall pick Cooper Flagg.
Gafford was acquired by the Mavericks during the 2023-24 season, and was instrumental during the team’s run to the NBA Finals. He has averaged 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game since landing in Dallas. This past season, he averaged a career-high 12.3 points per game to go along with 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.
He has provided the Mavericks with elite rim protection, and finishing around the basket. Gafford leads the NBA in field goal percentage since his rookie season, and is top 10 in field goal percentage allowed as the contesting defender this past season (minimum 800 shots contested), per ESPN.