SerpApi.Org
The Los Angeles Clippers enter the offseason with important questions to answer, but one weakness remains clear regardless of what happens with Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers need to upgrade their center rotation, and Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford could be the ideal trade target after recent roster moves created an opportunity.
Why Daniel Gafford Makes Sense for the Clippers
According to NBA insider Marc Stein on the DLLS Mavs podcast, the Mavericks are open to listening to trade offers for Gafford. The situation makes sense after Dallas spent the offseason adding multiple frontcourt options, creating a crowded rotation that could make the veteran center a valuable trade asset.
The Mavericks have invested heavily in their interior depth, with Dereck Lively expected to return healthy, the team matching a Knicks offer for young center Moussa Cissé, selecting Morez Johnson Jr., and acquiring Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies. With Gafford carrying a three-year, $54 million contract, Dallas could view him as a luxury piece rather than an essential part of the rotation.
For the Clippers, however, Gafford would address a major need. Their current center situation remains uncertain, with Yanic Konan Niederhauser not expected to be fully ready for the start of the season, Brook Lopez entering his late 30s, and Isaiah Jackson better suited for a reserve role. This leaves Los Angeles with one of the weakest center groups in the NBA.
Gafford would immediately improve that position. The 27-year-old is one of the league’s most effective players around the basket, providing strong finishing ability, reliable screen-setting, offensive rebounding, and the type of athleticism that can change the way an offense operates.
His defensive impact could be even more valuable for the Clippers. Gafford is an elite rim protector who uses his length and timing to challenge shots and discourage opponents from attacking the paint. While he can struggle against the biggest post players due to his size and strength limitations, he would still represent a significant upgrade over Los Angeles’ current options.
A potential trade would require salary matching, with the Clippers likely needing to include two players from a group such as Derrick Jones Jr., Brook Lopez, Isaiah Jackson, and Kris Dunn. Losing valuable role players like Jones or Dunn would hurt, but adding a starting-caliber center could make the roster far more balanced.
Daniel Gafford represents the type of trade opportunity the Clippers should seriously consider: a proven big man available from a team with excess depth who directly solves one of their biggest weaknesses. If Los Angeles wants to remain competitive in the Western Conference, upgrading the center position may be one of the most important moves of the offseason.
