Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford enjoyed a big game on Wednesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Gafford is under contract for one season beyond 2024/25, with a $14.4MM guaranteed salary for ’25/26. He’s currently back in the Mavs’ starting lineup while Lively recovers a right ankle sprain, which will sideline him again on Friday vs. Oklahoma City.

The Mavericks, as The Athletic reported earlier this month, have expressed interest in conversations with rival teams about acquiring an impact perimeter defender. Dallas, according to

It was a short-handed Southwestern Division matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans, as Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones were among the key players out on both sides.

The Dallas Mavericks are continuing to pursue New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones to be the final piece in their bid for championship contention, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

Dejounte Murray lit the Mavericks up for 30 points, and Trey Murphy III wasn't far behind with 24. Neither was entirely efficient from the floor, but they made enough shots to sink the Mavs. Dallas' starters just weren't good enough, which is where we'll start our three takeaways.

The New York Knicks are looking to bring home ... on the team and Mitchell Robinson yet to play a game. Center Daniel Gafford can come in and provide immediate relief, as the Dallas Mavericks ...

Dallas’ next man up mantra is being tested at a mind-boggling rate after Dereck Lively II, Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber suffered injuries in an 11-day

Dejounte Murray scored 30 points, Trey Murphy III blocked Spencer Dinwiddie's layup for the lead with 4 seconds left and the New Orleans Pelicans outlasted the injury-depleted Dallas Mavericks 119-116.

The early tip-off led to a back-and-forth tilt between the two teams, but Dallas couldn’t overcome its shortcoming of depth and left with a 110-105

Not playing Monday vs. Wiz

With Dereck Lively II expected to miss the next 2-3 months, Gafford is ready to handle a bigger role in Dallas.