Fresh off a new contract, Daniel Gafford’s plans to anchor the Dallas Mavericks’ frontcourt are on hold after an ankle injury in training camp.

Daniel Gafford made it clear this summer he wanted to be part of the Dallas Mavericks’ future.

The 27-year-old center signed a three-year, $54 million extension in July to remain with the Mavericks through 2029, a decision he said was rooted in comfort with the franchise and relationships built since his arrival.

“Whenever I first got here, the atmosphere and the vibe was just completely different from any other team that I’ve been with,” Gafford said. “I was welcomed in with open arms and ever since the first day, it just felt like the chemistry and the relationships — everything was growing throughout the seasons that I’ve been here.”

Originally selected by Chicago with the 38th pick in the 2019 draft, Gafford played for the Bulls and Wizards before Dallas traded for him in February 2024. He has since emerged as one of the league’s most efficient players, holding the highest field goal percentage in NBA history at 71% (minimum 2,000 attempts).

In 2023-24, he became the first Maverick to lead the league in field goal percentage at 72.5%. He also holds four of the top 15 single-season marks in league history and once made 33 straight field goals, the second-longest streak ever behind Wilt Chamberlain.

Last season, Gafford averaged a career-best 12.3 points, along with 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks, while shooting 70.2% from the field. His year included a 31-point, 15-rebound, seven-block game against Charlotte — the first such performance in franchise history — and a franchise-record 24 straight games with a block.

Gafford’s arrival in Dallas added lob finishing and rim protection to a roster that surged to the NBA Finals in 2024. His role now is central to a frontcourt rotation that includes Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington and rookie Cooper Flagg.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said the key for Dallas is avoiding the injuries that derailed a 39-43 season in 2024-25.

“If we’re all walking out of here smiling and healthy, that’s when I’ll know we’re right where we’re supposed to be,” Kidd said.

Gafford is expected to miss part of training camp after spraining his ankle this week in Vancouver, though he is not projected to be sidelined long term.

For the El Dorado, Arkansas native, proximity to home and the team’s environment were major reasons to commit his future to the Mavericks.

“Honestly, it’s just like [the Mavericks are] one big, happy family,” Gafford said. “The energy is good. I don’t feel like it’s anything too tense around the team. We can talk to each other about anything and I feel like our relationships are only going to grow throughout the season.”