Daniel Gafford injury update: Dallas Mavericks center leaves game vs. Boston Celtics ahead of NBA trade deadline

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford left Tuesday night’s game vs. the Boston Celtics due to an injury. Gafford stayed down on the floor for a while before temporarily needing assistance. Eventually, he was able to walk off under his own power but with a big-time limp.

Those in attendance appear to believe it’s an ankle problem for Gafford. This is, unfortunately, nothing new for him. Gafford sprained his ankle during training camp and never fully healed. Multiple re-injuries have occurred throughout the season.

Seeing Gafford has bigger implications than just attempting to come from behind and beat Boston. His name has been rumored ahead of the NBA trade deadline, set for Thursday. Now, questions will be asked about his health after going down. Not what anybody in Dallas wanted to see.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford just went back to the locker room.

He was holding his right ankle.

He sprained this ankle on the first day of training camp this season, and has re-injured it multiple times. pic.twitter.com/MqIbmiiQGJ

— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) February 4, 2026

Shortly after the second half began, an update on Gafford’s status came from the NBC broadcast. He has not yet been ruled out of the game, potentially being a positive sign. But they were able to confirm the right ankle is what is bothering Gafford.

“A quick update on Daniel Gafford for you all. Being evaluated for a right ankle sprain. So, no official word on if he’ll be back or not but he’s still being evaluated.”

More on Daniel Gafford, 2025-2026 season for the Dallas Mavericks

The past year has been a whirlwind for the Mavericks. From trading Luke Doncic to winning the first overall pick and taking Cooper Flagg — the franchise is in a completely different place. And with the on-court struggles picking up, many believe Dallas will attempt to make some moves to increase their number of assets.

Gafford certainly could be one of them, injury pending. He has been a great center for them since being traded from the Washington Wizards. Between his rim protection and ability to finish around the rim, Gafford is a piece a lot of teams would enjoy.

In 33 games played, Gafford is averaging 8.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Just over one block gets put on the stat sheet every time out there.

Gafford led the NBA in field goal percentage during the 2023-2024 season, making 72.5% of his shots. This was the same year Dallas went on a run to the NBA Finals but his time with Washington is mixed in there as well. If Gafford does wind up getting moved, somebody will be hoping to bring back that form.