City of New York General manager Nico Harrison of the Dallas Mavericks spoke with local press at the halftime of the team’s Madison
Square Garden game against the New York Knicks to go over the team’s trade deadline acquisitions, which included P.J. Washington
and Daniel Gafford.
Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a 2027 first-round pick (top-two protection) were traded to the Mavericks in exchange for
Washington and two second-round picks from the Charlotte Hornets. The franchise gave the Oklahoma City Thunder the option to
swap first-round selections in 2028 in exchange for a 2024 first-round pick; Richaun Holmes and the 2024 first-round pick were
subsequently sent to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Gafford.
The Mavs wanted to increase their size, depth in the frontcourt, and overall scoring power by exploiting the trade deadline. Dallas
believes that since Washington meets several of those requirements, they have been met, and Gafford offers a conventional center who
can handle the grunt job inside.
Harrison stated, “Coming in here, we had three goals.” “Our goals were to increase in size, improve our front court depth, and add
some offensive punch. Consequently, those were our three objectives, and we believe they are here to achieve them.”
At six feet seven inches and 230 pounds, Washington gives the Mavs a big man who can spread the floor and play the four and five, in
their opinion.
“PJ, I think, the biggest thing about him is is he can score,” Harrison stated. “I believe he may have had forty points or something
similar a few weeks ago. He’s not above getting filthy. He has the potential to heat up. He has shooting ability. He is able to produce.
So it’s just about protection for the rims and adaptability. He’s big and he can block shots. He’s proficient on the four and five.”
Despite Washington’s poor 3-point shooting percentage this season (32.4%), the Mavericks are optimistic that their star player, Kyrie
Irving, and playmaker Luka Doncic, will increase his conversion rate. He has shot 35.9 percent from outside the arc in 304 games
during the regular season.
“When you have really good guards, you get really good shots, and it makes it a lot easier,” Harrison stated. Therefore, I believe that
you should just attempt to picture their skill sets and abilities. Then, you should picture them when you’re playing with one of the top
guards in the league, pardon me, and image what your shots will look like at that point. More time and space will be available to you.
With 45 games played this season, Gafford has averaged 10.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks. Behind Dereck Lively II, he gives
the Mavs the much-needed center depth and rim protection. Dallas is impressed by the really effective interior play finishing that
Gafford offers as a rim roller and cutter.
“When you look at Gafford, big time in protection, adding depth to our front court,” Harrison stated. “I can just imagine him and Luka
and Kai in the pick-and-roll and what that’s going to bring.”
The Mavericks have had numerous injuries this season, and they still do to some degree, so they need to strengthen their general
depth. The squad believes that with the addition of Washington and Gafford, they are now more protected against the possibility of
missing games due to injuries.
We have had numerous injuries this season, so when we discuss increasing depth, it’s as though we still have some men who can play
without worrying about rushing someone when they’re hurt.
The Mavs’ inability to consistently win did not inspire the front office to take any additional action. The group still has faith in its
abilities, and their key priorities should be long-term franchise positioning as well as short-term success.
Harrison remarked, “I think what we added was what we needed anyway.” Thus, I don’t. It’s more than just getting bigger and deeper,
in my opinion. That should always help you obtain a guy who can score, in my opinion. That’s what will benefit you in every year.
Thus, I believe we will endeavor to achieve this whether or not we are winning more. We are aware since we know our team.”
Following his trade and waiver by the Toronto Raptors, Spencer Dinwiddie has been connected to the Mavericks in the buyout market.
He sat near the Mavs bench during the game at Madison Square Garden, and he even spoke with Mark Cuban while they were playing.
Harrison clarified that if a move needs to be made, the team will make any kind of move that will benefit the squad.
“If there’s a chance to make our team better, we’re we’re going to do that, for sure,” Harrison stated. “There’s no doubt about it.”
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