Mavs Trade Options

Mavs Moneyball

Mavs Make Pre-Deadline Trades

Acquiring Gafford, Shedding Salary

Transactions Address Roster Needs, Financial Flexibility

The Dallas Mavericks have made two trades ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline, acquiring center Daniel Gafford from the Washington Wizards and sending forward Davis Bertans to the Toronto Raptors.

In the first trade, the Mavericks acquired Gafford in exchange for forwards Dwight Powell and Justin Jackson. Gafford, a 6'11" center, provides the Mavericks with a much-needed rim protector and rebounding presence. He is averaging 6.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game this season.

In the second trade, the Mavericks sent Bertans to the Raptors for a 2024 first-round pick originally belonging to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Bertans, a 6'10" forward, is averaging 5.6 points per game this season and has been struggling to find a consistent role in Dallas' rotation.

These trades address two of the Mavericks' biggest needs: rebounding and salary cap flexibility. Gafford is a significant upgrade over Powell and Jackson in the rebounding department, and his presence should help the Mavericks improve their defensive efficiency. Meanwhile, the departure of Bertans frees up approximately $16 million in salary cap space next season, giving the Mavericks more flexibility to improve their roster.

The Mavericks are now 28-26 on the season and are currently in fifth place in the Western Conference. They will be hoping that these trades will help them make a push for a higher playoff seed in the second half of the season.

Mavs Moneyball