Acquired F Daniel Gafford from Washington in exchange for F Richaun Holmes and draft consideration.

The Mavericks' trade acquisition of Gafford earns a B- Contract Value Index (CVI), reflecting a solid mid-tier value play that addresses a roster need without overpaying. At $14.4M AAV on a four-year, $68.8M deal, Gafford's contract sits in the above-average tier for his position and production level — serviceable depth at a reasonable cost relative to the talent being brought in. The trade structure (swapping him for Holmes plus draft consideration) is pragmatic cap management, particularly given Dallas's 26-56 record and long odds heading into the playoffs; the Mavericks effectively shed a rotational piece and picks to acquire a more impactful rim-runner. The core value question hinges on whether Gafford's role expands meaningfully in Dallas or whether he remains a complementary backup, which would make the deal a fair-value swap rather than a steal. CVI recognizes this as neither a discount steal nor a salary albatross — the contract is appropriately priced for a solid starter-caliber athlete, making it a B- verdict: functional depth on reasonable terms, but without the upside markers that push into A territory.