Last week, the Dallas Mavericks had to put handle-with-care big man Anthony Davis back on the shelf, the 32-year-old potentially out for months after sustaining ligament damage in his left hand. The likely result of Davis’s latest injury is that he’ll remain on the roster through the Feb. 5 trade deadline, if not beyond. With that in mind, the Atlanta Hawks had their eyes on the 10-time All-Star, hoping he could help them revamp their underwhelming defense.
Having seemingly pivoted from Plan A, another Mavs big man is front and center in their line of vision.
Trade-Ready Hawks Turn Their Attention To Mavs Big Man Daniel Gafford
As they continue to renovate their roster, the Hawks are among the teams looking at Mavs center Daniel Gafford, according to The Stein Line (h/t Hawks Lead).
Per @TheSteinLine:
– Atlanta is among the teams with interest in Dallas big man Daniel Gafford, along with Indiana and Boston.
– Atlanta has maintained it never offered former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher alongside the expiring deals of Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard for… pic.twitter.com/n7N11lj4xd— Hawks Lead (@HawksLead) January 11, 2026
The Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics, both of whom lost their starting centers in the 2025 offseason, are among his suitors as well. Listed at 6-foot-10 and 265 pounds, Gafford is an ultra-efficient above-the-rim threat and reliable rim-protector. In this era, he’s a throwback center who makes his living in the paint rather than offering floor-spacing or playmaking.
For Atlanta, Gafford would be a fit player who helps them in the areas where they’re weak.
Help Is Needed At Center
This season, the Hawks rank 25th in rebounds per game (41.9) and opponent’s 2-point percentage (.560). Additionally, starting center Onyeka Okongwu is a mediocre interior defender. Their opponents shoot +1.3 percent above their season average within six feet of the rim and 2.5 percent above their season average within 10 feet of the rim when he’s when their primary defender.
Mo Gueye, who’s been in and out of the rotation, is much more impactful guarding the paint. Not only athletic but aggressive, opponents shoot 4.2 percent below their season average within six feet when he’s their primary defender. They shoot 4.6 percent below their season average within 10 feet. However, he’s even less assertive on the glass than Okongwu. He’s also shooting just 45.5% from the field and 24.6% from 3, making him an offensive liability.
Ideally, the Hawks would feel comfortable re-inserting Kristaps Porzingis in the starting lineup. Though he isn’t much of a rebounder, he’s been exceptional at protecting the tin. In fact, opponents shoot 14.4 percent below their season average within six feet of the rim (10.7 percent below their season average within 10 feet) when he’s their primary defender. He’s also a highly capable offensive player, the progenitor of the ‘unicorn’ mantle. Yet, he’s only played 17 games this season, so he’s not someone they can count on.
Ultimately, Gafford doesn’t have the star power of Davis. Honestly, he’s not even at Davis’s level talent-wise. Nevertheless, he could become a key piece for Atlanta.
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
