- The Washington Times - Thursday, February 8, 2024

A depleted roster of the Washington Wizards just got a little smaller. The Wizards traded Daniel Gafford to the Dallas Mavericks.

The Thursday deal sent the 6-foot-10 center to the Mavericks for 6-foot-9 power forward Richaun Holmes and a 2024 first-round pick (via Oklahoma City). The pick was acquired in a separate deal on Thursday from the Thunder for a 2028 pick swap.

With Gafford gone, the Wizards will have a big hole to fill in the paint. He led in blocks and rebounds this season.

The 2019 second-round pick out of Arkansas established himself as a reliable big man in the District. This season, he ranks second in the NBA in field-goal percentage while racking up 2.2 blocks per game. He’s also eighth in the league in dunks. He averaged 10.9 points and eight rebounds per game.

The Wizards were clear candidates to trade players before Thursday’s deadline, standing just 9-41 and second-to-last in the Eastern Conference.

In January, the team traded role players Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala to Detroit. In return, the Pistons sent Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Livers and two second-round draft picks.

Gafford’s departure leaves an opening for the 6-foor-10 Bagley to get more playing time. The Duke product scored at least 10 points in each of his first eight games with Washington.

• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.

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