Height
6'10"
Weight
265 lbs
Age
27
College
Arkansas
Experience
6 yrs
Wingspan
7'2.5"
Reach
9'2.0"
Hand Size
9.25" × 9.25"
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsB-
| Year | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 428 | 9.5 | 7.0 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 65.8% | 0.0% | 68.0% |
| 2025-26 | | 51 | 9.5 | 7.0 | 1.1 |
Current Contract
Length
4 years
Total Value
$68.8M
Guaranteed
$31.6M
AAV
$14.4M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Daniel Gafford's four-year, $14.4M AAV extension earns a C+ CVI — a middling value proposition for a seven-year veteran center whose injury concerns are undermining his established contributions. The 27-year-old has delivered solid production when healthy this season with 9.5 points and 7.0 rebounds across 51 games, reflecting the B- performance grade that speaks to his reliable two-way impact as a complementary big man. At $14.4M annually, Gafford sits in reasonable territory for a starting-caliber center, though not quite the bargain it appeared when signed given his injury-shortened availability. His recurring shoulder problems have become the dominant narrative around his value, with media coverage focused on potential season shutdown and long-term health concerns rather than his on-court contributions. The four-year commitment provides Dallas with center stability in theory, but the mounting injury reports suggest the Mavericks may have overpaid for a player whose reliability has become his biggest liability. While Gafford remains a respected rotation piece when available, the shoulder issues cast doubt on whether he can provide the consistent minutes that justify his salary moving forward.
Performance Analysis
Daniel Gafford earns a B- Performance grade this season — a quality starter-level center putting up solid numbers for the Dallas Mavericks. Through 428 games, Daniel is contributing 9.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in his role. Daniel's strongest area is FG% at 65.8, which compares favorably to the center median of 46.0. The biggest area for growth is APG at 1.1 (center median: 4.0). Among 97 NBA centers graded this season, Daniel ranks 35th. Daniel is a reliable contributor who the Dallas Mavericks can count on game to game.
Transaction History
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