Daniel Gafford trade grades: Who won the deal between the Wizards and Mavericks?

The front-court depth of the Mavericks has been a huge question all season long.

Obviously, Dereck Lively II has been incredible as a pick-and-roll partner with Luka Doncic so far this season. There hasn’t been much production behind him at center, though.

That changes now. The Wizards are trading Daniel Gafford to the Mavericks for Richaun Holmes and some undisclosed draft compensation, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Mavericks finally have their back up big man and he’s another springy pick-and-roll partner for Doncic and Kyrie Irving to play with. This should be fun in Dallas.

Let’s get into these trade grades.

The details:

First, here’s what we have on the trade so far from Woj.

The Washington Wizards are nearing a deal to send Daniel Gafford to the Dallas Mavericks for Richaun Holmes and draft compensation, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2024

The Wizards get: Richaun Holmes and draft compensation

The Mavericks get: Daniel Gafford

Washington Wizards

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to know exactly what to give the Wizards as a grade here without knowing what sort of draft compensation the team is getting back. It’ll probably be a second-round pick considering what the Mavericks have in the cupboard to give up — Dallas traded its picks for the 2024 season.

Marc Stein reports that Dallas is expected to acquire a pick from Oklahoma City that will be rerouted to Washington for the Gafford trade.

https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1755634267709735222?s=20

Regardless, though, this is a move for the future. Gafford is a very good, young big man who has plenty of room to grow. But with Marvin Bagley III coming to DC and playing well, it seems his time was up. And Washington got some draft compensation back in return, which should help them speed up this rebuild.

GRADE: B- (for now)

Dallas Mavericks

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Again, the Mavericks desperately needed some help behind Lively at center. Gafford is a good player who is capable of being a starter. He’s an elite finisher and has one of the best true shooting marks in the league. He’s a solid rim protector, too.

Daniel Gafford this season:

10.9 PPG
8.8 RPG
2.2 BPG (7th in NBA)
70.8 TS% (1st in NBA)

Mavs got a backup center. pic.twitter.com/tm9G7kw65x

— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 8, 2024

This is a good pickup for the Mavericks.

GRADE: B+