"Why Heat should eventually target Daniel Gafford: Miami entered the season with a razor-thin big man rotation of Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware. Adebayo has missed the last five games with a toe injury, while Ware has notably struggled. Its defensive rebounding has plummeted in Adebayo's absence. We know that the three-time All-Star will be returning soon, but the Heat needs more size in the frontcourt. Gafford helps mitigate those struggles."
"Gafford, 27, is averaging 9.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks across 21.9 minutes per game. He's athletic and a good vertical spacer and shot blocker. His fit alongside Ware would be more murky than Adebayo, but the 6-foot-10 big could provide a legitimate boost off the bench at doing "big man" things (rebound, screen, catch lobs, block shots, etc.)."
"The two biggest questions would be 1.) What would the Heat have to give up? And 2.) figuring out how they would navigate his extension. Gafford is owed $54.4 million (also starting next season) through 2028-29, which is manageable, but not ideal for a center who projects to be a 20-23-minute per game backup, at most, barring injury."
The Mavericks fired general manager Nico Harrison amid a roster imbalance heavy on bigs and light on guards around No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. Anthony Davis is likely to be traded after appearing in just 14 games since the blockbuster deal. The Miami Heat entered the season with a thin frontcourt rotation of Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware, and defensive rebounding has suffered during Adebayo's absence. Daniel Gafford offers athletic rim protection, rebounding, and lob-catching ability in limited minutes. Salary and extension logistics complicate a potential trade, as Gafford is owed $54.4 million through 2028-29.
Read at Hot Hot Hoops - Miami HEAT NBA Blog
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