Trade & FA 2024-25:

[F Gump]

I think Lively injury concern is maybe the biggest reason Gafford goes into the "don't trade" category.

I do think Gafford's contribution has increased lately, making him more valuable. He's been a beast, and a team leader, when they've needed players to step up. It's gotten way too easy to downgrade him because "he's not Lively" and overlook all he is doing.

But I'm not convinced Gafford has ever been considered expendable by the Mavs. The Lively "injury concern" has always been an issue, even though some haven't wanted to recognize it. DL has always been slender, breakable, and getting dinged from time to time. He needs a bully to battle with the bangers and lessen the physical beating, as well as lower the minutes he needs to play. Gafford really fills a need, if you want to have Lively be a key player, because he makes Lively possible. imo