According to various reports, the Dallas Mavericks made significant moves at the NBA trade deadline, swapping Grant Williams for P.J. Washington from the Charlotte Hornets and acquiring Daniel Gafford from the Washington Wizards.
The trade involved sending Williams and Seth Curry, along with a protected 2027 first-round draft pick, to the Hornets in exchange for Washington and two second-round picks.
The Mavericks agreed to exchange 2028 first-round picks with the Oklahoma City Thunder, obtaining the Thunder’s 2024 first-round pick, which was then sent to Washington along with Richaun Holmes for Gafford.
Williams, who previously played for the Boston Celtics, had signed a lucrative four-year contract with the Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal last July. This deal also involved giving up an unprotected first-round pick swap in 2030 and Reggie Bullock to clear salary space.
Having traded their last available first-rounder until the offseason, the Mavericks made the move to bolster their roster for the current season.
Williams had been contributing an average of 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game for the Mavericks. While he initially showed promise, his performance dipped after returning from a brief injury hiatus, leading to him losing his starting position.
Both Williams and Curry hail from the Charlotte area, adding a personal element to the trade.
Washington, a 25-year-old forward, brings scoring and versatility to the Mavericks, averaging 13 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game over his career with the Hornets. Despite his talent, Washington has yet to experience the playoffs, a situation that could change with his move to Dallas.
Gafford, a center, arrives with solid statistics, averaging 10.9 points, eight rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game for the Wizards. He will provide valuable backup support to rookie center Dereck Lively II and offer insurance for Lively, who has been sidelined due to injuries.
The Mavericks are rumored to be pursuing Spencer Dinwiddie, who was recently bought out by the Toronto Raptors, signaling further efforts to strengthen their roster for the remainder of the season.
