The Dallas Mavericks have completed a notable deal involving Daniel Gafford. Gafford, previously with the Washington Wizards, was traded to the Mavericks in exchange for Richaun Holmes and a 2024 first-round draft pick. This move strengthens the Mavericks’ frontcourt with Gafford, who has been a reliable rim protector for the Wizards, averaging 10.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game this season
On the other hand, Holmes, who struggled to find a consistent role with the Mavericks, will now be part of the Wizards’ lineup. The trade also involved Dallas acquiring additional draft assets to complete the transaction. This exchange is part of the Wizards’ broader strategy to rebuild their roster and improve their future prospects through strategic acquisitions and draft picks
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The NBA’s free agency period starts in less than a day, so clubs are attempting to sign players before they become available, and players who haven’t decided on their choices yet still need to make that decision. Richaun Holmes, a former Maverick, is one such player.
At the trade deadline, Holmes was traded to the Washington Wizards for Daniel Gafford and several draft picks; this move allowed the Mavericks to get to the NBA Finals this year. He had a $12.8 million player option, but Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that he is turning it down in favor of a two-year, $25.9 million contract to stay in Washington.
Holmes is getting a special agreement that guarantees him only $250,000 of the $13.3 million he may make in the 2025–2026 season, but somewhat reduces his cap hit to $12.6 million in that season. He’ll be a major player in the 2025–26 season if he performs well for the Wizards or if they decide he’s a key veteran who can help them develop Alex Sarr, their new top choice. However, it is likely that Washington will waive him following the forthcoming season.
Holmes played 17 games for the Wizards, averaging 7.1 PPG and 6.1 RPG. After Dallas selected him in the 2023 NBA Draft as part of the trade that sent touted youngster Olivier-Maxence Prosper to the Mavericks, he only appeared in 23 games for the team. He was frustrated by his lack of playing time, but if he had been on the team, he would have definitely taken up his option to stay with the Mavs.