Daniel Gafford’s Family: Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Orlando Bloom

Daniel Gafford is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Born on October 1, 1998, in El Dorado, Arkansas, he is known for his athleticism, powerful dunks, rebounding and impressive shot-blocking ability. After beginning his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls, Gafford established himself as an important player for the Washington Wizards before joining Dallas in 2024. Beyond his achievements on the basketball court, fans are interested in Daniel Gafford’s family, particularly his wife, children, parents and siblings.

Gafford comes from a close-knit family that supported his basketball ambitions despite financial challenges during his childhood. His parents are Wayne Gafford and Teresa Frazier, who raised him in Arkansas alongside four siblings. His brothers reportedly include Cornelius Watson and Jeremiah Frazier, while his older sister has been identified as Tequillia Renee Frazier. In his romantic life, Daniel is married to his longtime girlfriend, DaShundra Morgan, whom he met while attending the University of Arkansas. The couple married in June 2022 and have continued supporting each other throughout his NBA career.

Daniel Gafford’s Wife: Meet DaShundra Morgan Gafford

Daniel Gafford’s wife is DaShundra Morgan Gafford, an American woman from Arkansas who has been his romantic partner since his college basketball years.

DaShundra and Daniel met while he was attending the University of Arkansas, where he played for the Razorbacks men’s basketball team.

Their relationship developed during an important period of Gafford’s life, when he was adapting to college basketball and preparing for a possible professional career.

DaShundra also has a basketball background. According to reporting published by ClutchPoints in June 2024, she played basketball at Fayetteville High School in Arkansas before attending the University of Arkansas.

Although she had experience playing basketball, she did not pursue a widely documented professional career in the sport.

Instead, DaShundra has generally maintained a private life while supporting her husband’s professional ambitions.

She has occasionally appeared alongside Daniel at basketball games, charitable activities and team-related events.

During his years with the Washington Wizards, DaShundra became familiar to some supporters through interviews discussing life as the wife of an NBA player.

Her involvement continued after Daniel was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in February 2024.

As of now, DaShundra Morgan Gafford remains Daniel Gafford’s publicly confirmed wife, with the Dallas Mavericks continuing to identify her as his spouse in official reporting published in December 2025.

How Did Daniel Gafford and DaShundra Morgan Meet?

Daniel Gafford and DaShundra Morgan first met at a gathering near the University of Arkansas during his freshman year.

The unusual circumstances surrounding their introduction were revealed in an interview with The Athletic published in November 2019.

According to the couple, Gafford was attending an off-campus party when he experienced difficulty connecting his phone to the internet.

While searching for a stronger Wi-Fi signal, he moved closer to an area where DaShundra and her friends were sitting.

DaShundra noticed him and decided to introduce herself.

In the interview, she explained that she had immediately found Daniel attractive and was confident enough to approach him.

Rather than waiting for Gafford to make the first move, she initiated their conversation.

The encounter eventually developed into a friendship.

As they spent more time together, the two became romantically involved and developed a close relationship.

DaShundra remained by Daniel’s side during the challenges associated with college basketball, including adapting to academic responsibilities and dealing with pressure from high expectations.

Their relationship continued after Gafford entered the NBA in 2019.

She supported him during his early professional years in Chicago and later accompanied him during his career with the Washington Wizards.

How DaShundra Morgan Supported Daniel Gafford During College

DaShundra Morgan played an important role in Daniel Gafford’s personal development during his time at the University of Arkansas.

Although Gafford was considered one of the state’s most promising basketball players, he experienced difficulties coping with the expectations surrounding his career.

He also worried about his family’s financial circumstances and sometimes felt that he was not doing enough to improve their situation.

During a November 2019 interview with The Athletic, Gafford discussed the emotional challenges he experienced during college.

He explained that he had struggled to communicate his feelings openly with family members and coaches.

DaShundra noticed these difficulties and encouraged him to talk about what he was experiencing.

According to the report, she spent time listening to him and helping him become more comfortable expressing his concerns.

Her encouragement eventually helped Gafford communicate more openly with his basketball coaches.

Members of the Arkansas coaching staff subsequently helped him access professional counseling support.

Gafford later credited that experience with helping him improve his communication skills and become more confident about discussing personal challenges.

The experience strengthened his relationship with DaShundra and demonstrated the importance of having a supportive partner during demanding periods of his life.

When Did Daniel Gafford and DaShundra Morgan Get Married?

Daniel Gafford and DaShundra Morgan married in June 2022 after several years together.

Biographical reporting has identified June 8, 2022, as their wedding date.

The marriage was subsequently confirmed by sports publications covering the Washington Wizards.

In February 2023, Sports Illustrated published a Valentine’s Day feature involving DaShundra Gafford and Jenna Gill, the wife of former Wizards teammate Anthony Gill.

During the feature, both women discussed their marriages, relationships and experiences supporting professional basketball players.

The publication identified Daniel and DaShundra as newlyweds who had married in June 2022.

DaShundra also shared a message on social media following their wedding, expressing her affection and appreciation for her husband.

The couple’s marriage represented another milestone in a relationship that had begun during Daniel’s college years.

They subsequently continued building their life together while Gafford pursued his NBA career.

In the 2024–25 season, the Dallas Mavericks released an episode of their It Takes a Village video series featuring Daniel and DaShundra discussing their relationship.

The official team video highlighted how they had supported one another from Arkansas through Daniel’s appearance in the 2024 NBA Finals.

As of now, Daniel Gafford and DaShundra Morgan have been married for approximately four years.

DaShundra Gafford’s Life as an NBA Wife

Being married to an NBA player involves adapting to a demanding schedule that includes regular travel, games, training sessions and occasional relocations.

DaShundra experienced these challenges as her husband’s basketball career progressed through three different NBA organizations.

After beginning his career with the Chicago Bulls, Gafford was traded to the Washington Wizards in March 2021.

The move required him and his wife to establish a new routine away from Arkansas and Chicago.

During their time in Washington, the couple participated in charitable activities organized by the franchise.

In November 2022, the Wizards announced that Daniel and DaShundra would provide clothing donations for families participating in a Thanksgiving community outreach program.

The couple also supported other charitable initiatives involving disadvantaged families and children.

When Gafford joined the Dallas Mavericks in February 2024, DaShundra accompanied him into another important chapter of his career.

In December 2025, the couple participated in a Dallas Mavericks charitable event supporting families from Harmony Community Development Corporation.

Daniel and DaShundra served a special dinner to five families and helped distribute holiday assistance.

During the event, Gafford announced a $20,000 donation through the Gaff House Foundation to cover one month of rent for each participating family.

The initiative demonstrated the couple’s shared commitment to helping families experiencing financial hardship.

Daniel Gafford’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?

There is no reliable public confirmation that Daniel Gafford has children.

Although the Dallas Mavericks center has been married to DaShundra Morgan since June 2022, the couple have not made a widely verified announcement identifying a biological son or daughter.

In a 2023 biographical profile, PlayersBio reported that Daniel and DaShundra had not yet welcomed children.

However, that report does not establish whether their circumstances have changed in subsequent years.

More recent coverage from the Dallas Mavericks has confirmed that the couple remain married but has not publicly identified any children of their own.

Gafford’s official NBA biography also does not provide information confirming that he is a father.

Much of his public involvement with children has taken place through community outreach and charitable activities.

Through the Gaff House Foundation, he has organized programs designed to provide gifts, school supplies, clothing and other resources to children from disadvantaged households.

He has also participated in youth basketball programs and activities intended to encourage young people to pursue their ambitions.

These activities reflect his interest in helping children but should not be interpreted as evidence that he has children himself.

As of now, Daniel Gafford has no publicly confirmed children. The absence of an announcement does not establish details about aspects of his family life that he and DaShundra have chosen to keep private.

Daniel Gafford’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother

Daniel Gafford’s parents are Wayne Gafford and Teresa Frazier.

Their names are confirmed in his official University of Arkansas basketball biography and his NBA player profile.

Gafford grew up in El Dorado, Arkansas, in a family that experienced financial challenges during his childhood.

His parents encouraged him to pursue education and basketball while emphasizing discipline, humility and the importance of family relationships.

Although Teresa played a particularly prominent role in raising her children, Daniel has publicly acknowledged the influence of both parents.

Daniel Gafford’s Father: Wayne Gafford

Wayne Gafford is Daniel Gafford’s father and one of the important figures in his upbringing.

According to a biographical report published by PlayersBio, Wayne attended Sacramento City College and later developed business interests connected to electronics and photography.

The publication identified him as the operator of a business called Gafford Electronics & Photography in Louisiana.

However, details about his current occupation and residence have not been independently confirmed through recent major sports reporting.

Wayne has generally maintained a lower public profile than his NBA-playing son.

Nevertheless, Daniel has spoken positively about his father’s influence.

During an interview referenced by Best of Arkansas Sports in 2019, Gafford described his father as a particularly wise person who provided valuable advice.

He explained that Wayne helped him navigate difficult situations and encouraged him to remain focused on his ambitions.

As Daniel developed into a promising young basketball player, his father’s encouragement contributed to his confidence.

Gafford initially participated in several sports and extracurricular activities, including football and school band.

However, his growing height and athleticism eventually made basketball his primary sporting interest.

Wayne continued supporting his development as Daniel progressed through high school basketball and attracted attention from college recruiters.

The family’s excitement became particularly evident when Gafford committed to the University of Arkansas.

The decision allowed him to remain close to his home state while representing one of Arkansas’ most recognized collegiate sports programs.

His parents’ encouragement also became important when he experienced pressure during college.

In a November 2019 interview with The Athletic, Gafford discussed his concern about his parents’ financial struggles.

He admitted that watching them work hard while he was still attending college created emotional pressure because he wanted to provide a better life for his family.

These feelings motivated him to continue working toward a professional basketball career.

After entering the NBA, Gafford expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support his family and reward the sacrifices they had made.

His relationship with Wayne remains part of the family background that helped shape his personal values.

Daniel Gafford’s Mother: Teresa Frazier

Daniel Gafford’s mother is Teresa Frazier, who has been one of the most influential figures in his life.

Teresa raised Daniel and his siblings in El Dorado, Arkansas, where the family experienced periods of financial difficulty.

According to reporting published by EssentiallySports in January 2025, Teresa carried significant responsibility for supporting the household.

She worked hard to provide for her children while encouraging them to remain confident and pursue their ambitions.

Her dedication made a lasting impression on Daniel.

During interviews about his childhood, Gafford has frequently acknowledged that his mother’s sacrifices helped establish his work ethic.

He learned from an early age that success required determination, patience and the willingness to continue working despite setbacks.

Teresa also emphasized humility.

During a 2015 interview on The Carter Bryant Show, Gafford explained that his mother regularly reminded him not to become arrogant as his basketball reputation grew.

Even when he began receiving attention from college coaches and recruiting organizations, Teresa encouraged him to remain respectful and grounded.

Her advice helped him manage the expectations associated with becoming one of Arkansas’ leading high school basketball prospects.

How Teresa Frazier Supported Daniel Gafford’s Basketball Career

Teresa Frazier played an essential role in supporting Daniel’s development during childhood and adolescence.

Gafford grew up in El Dorado, where he attended local schools and developed an interest in several sports.

Although his height gave him an advantage in basketball, he initially struggled with confidence.

He sometimes doubted his abilities and considered whether he should continue pursuing the sport.

His mother helped him understand that improvement required consistent effort rather than immediate success.

She encouraged him to keep practicing and avoid comparing his progress with that of other athletes.

During high school, Gafford began developing into a dominant interior player because of his height, athleticism and shot-blocking ability.

His performances attracted attention from several major college basketball programs.

When he eventually chose the University of Arkansas, his family supported the decision.

Teresa continued attending important games and celebrating his achievements.

Her influence remained important after Daniel entered professional basketball.

In 2019, when the Chicago Bulls selected him in the NBA Draft, the achievement represented a major milestone for the entire family.

Gafford subsequently expressed appreciation for the people who had supported him during his childhood, particularly his parents.

As of now, Teresa Frazier remains one of the most clearly documented influences on Daniel Gafford’s personal development and basketball career.

Daniel Gafford’s Siblings: Meet His Brothers and Sister

Daniel Gafford has four siblings, according to official biographies published by the University of Arkansas and NBA.com.

However, these sources confirm the number of siblings without identifying each one by name.

Secondary biographical reporting has identified three family members as his siblings: an older brother named Cornelius Watson, a younger brother named Jeremiah Frazier and an older sister named Tequillia Renee Frazier.

The identity of his fourth sibling has not been reliably established in widely available public reporting.

Cornelius Watson – Daniel Gafford’s Older Brother

Cornelius Watson has been identified as one of Daniel Gafford’s older brothers.

According to reporting published by PlayersBio, Cornelius participated in college athletics at Southern Arkansas University.

Additional reporting by Sports Illustrated in June 2024 discussed Watson as a former El Dorado High School athlete who played football before continuing his education at Southern Arkansas.

Watson grew up in the same Arkansas community where Daniel later developed into a basketball prospect.

His involvement in competitive sports contributed to the wider athletic environment surrounding the family.

Although Cornelius did not establish a widely documented NBA career, his athletic experience represents another connection between the Gafford family and organized sports.

Reliable public information about his current occupation, personal relationships and other activities remains limited.

As of now, Cornelius Watson is among the relatives identified as Daniel Gafford’s brothers in secondary sports reporting.

Jeremiah Frazier – Daniel Gafford’s Younger Brother

Jeremiah Frazier has been identified as Daniel Gafford’s younger brother in biographical reporting published by PlayersBio.

The publication included a photograph identifying Daniel alongside his older brother Cornelius and younger brother Jeremiah.

However, Jeremiah has generally maintained a private life outside the public attention surrounding Daniel’s professional basketball career.

His exact age, educational background and professional activities have not been reliably established through major sports publications.

There is also insufficient verified information to confirm whether he pursued competitive basketball or another athletic career.

Unlike Daniel, who became a prominent college player before entering the NBA, Jeremiah has not been extensively profiled by basketball media.

As of now, Jeremiah Frazier remains a reported member of Daniel Gafford’s immediate family, although independent public documentation about his personal background is limited.

Tequillia Renee Frazier – Daniel Gafford’s Older Sister

Tequillia Renee Frazier has been identified as Daniel Gafford’s older sister.

Her name appears in a 2023 biographical article published by PlayersBio, which discusses the NBA player’s parents and siblings.

According to the publication, Tequillia has family connections to El Dorado, Arkansas, where Daniel grew up.

Unlike her younger brother, she has generally maintained a private life outside professional basketball.

Reliable information about her education, occupation and sporting activities remains limited.

Although secondary reporting identifies her as a member of the family, official NBA and University of Arkansas biographies do not provide a complete list of Daniel’s siblings by name.

Consequently, personal details about Tequillia should be treated cautiously unless supported by additional verified reporting.

Who Is Daniel Gafford’s Fourth Sibling?

Daniel Gafford’s official basketball biographies confirm that he has four siblings, meaning he grew up in a family of five children.

However, the widely available secondary sources that identify Cornelius Watson, Jeremiah Frazier and Tequillia Renee Frazier do not reliably establish the name of the fourth sibling.

It would therefore be inaccurate to invent an additional brother or sister to complete the family list.

The information that can be established with confidence is that Gafford grew up alongside four siblings and has spoken publicly about the importance of his wider family.

Daniel Gafford’s Grandmother and Her Influence on His Childhood

Another important person in Daniel Gafford’s family story was his grandmother, who helped care for the children during his early years.

During a 2015 interview on The Carter Bryant Show, Gafford discussed the emotional impact of losing his grandmother in 2007.

He recalled that she frequently looked after him and his siblings when their mother was working.

The children sometimes spent the night at their grandmother’s house, where she provided affection and a supportive environment.

Gafford explained that she made difficult circumstances feel easier because she remained cheerful and encouraging.

He also remembered her strong connection to church and the importance she placed on faith.

Her death was particularly difficult for him because she had been an important source of comfort during childhood.

According to Gafford, losing her was one of the early experiences that affected him emotionally.

Although her name was not established in the interview, her influence remains one of the most personally meaningful family experiences he has discussed publicly.

Daniel Gafford’s Family and the Gaff House Foundation

Daniel Gafford’s experiences growing up in a financially disadvantaged household have influenced his commitment to helping other families.

After becoming a professional basketball player, he began participating in charitable activities focused on children and communities experiencing hardship.

He eventually established the Gaff House Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing educational resources, mentorship and practical assistance to underserved communities.

According to the foundation’s official website, its mission includes helping disadvantaged individuals overcome barriers and gain access to opportunities for personal development.

One of its most recognized programs is Jingle Jam, an annual holiday initiative that began in 2021.

The event provides children and families with gifts, clothing, school supplies and other essential resources.

During his years with the Washington Wizards, Gafford organized Jingle Jam activities for communities in Washington, D.C.

The events included meals, haircuts, winter clothing and presents for children.

After joining the Dallas Mavericks, he continued developing charitable initiatives in the Dallas area.

In December 2025, Gafford and his wife DaShundra welcomed five families from Harmony Community Development Corporation for a special holiday celebration.

The couple joined the Mavericks’ executive chef to prepare and serve a meal.

Following dinner, Gafford announced a $20,000 donation to help participating families pay their rent.

During the event, he explained that growing up in public housing had shaped his understanding of financial hardship.

He wanted to use his professional success to provide assistance to people experiencing challenges similar to those he had witnessed during childhood.

His charitable work therefore reflects the influence of his parents, grandmother and wider family.

How Daniel Gafford’s Family Influenced His NBA Career

Daniel Gafford’s family played an important role in his development from a young athlete in El Dorado, Arkansas, to an established NBA center.

His mother’s encouragement helped him remain confident during challenging periods, while his father provided guidance about discipline and personal responsibility.

Growing up with four siblings and close relationships with extended relatives also contributed to his understanding of family support.

Gafford attended El Dorado High School, where he initially participated in several activities, including football and music.

He played multiple instruments in the school band, including clarinet, bass clarinet and bass drum.

However, his height and natural athleticism eventually helped him develop into a promising basketball player.

During his senior high school season, he averaged 17.4 points, 16 rebounds and 7.7 blocks per game.

His performances helped El Dorado reach the Arkansas Class 6A state championship game.

He also earned Arkansas Mr. Basketball recognition in 2017 and established himself among the country’s leading high school prospects.

Despite attracting interest from several universities, Gafford chose to remain in his home state by committing to the University of Arkansas.

He joined the Razorbacks for the 2017–18 college basketball season.

During his freshman campaign, Gafford averaged 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game.

His performances earned him SEC All-Freshman Team recognition and established him as one of the program’s most promising young players.

He improved during the 2018–19 season, averaging 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game.

His achievements included First Team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive Team honors.

After two college seasons, Gafford declared for the 2019 NBA Draft.

On June 20, 2019, the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 38th overall pick in the second round.

The selection represented a major accomplishment for Gafford and his family.

He began his NBA career with Chicago before being traded to the Washington Wizards in March 2021.

With Washington, he developed into an important interior defender and established himself as an effective scorer around the basket.

His professional achievements also provided him with opportunities to support family members and expand his charitable activities.

In February 2024, Gafford was traded to the Dallas Mavericks.

His arrival strengthened Dallas’ frontcourt through his rebounding, shot blocking and ability to finish above the rim.

He quickly became an important contributor alongside Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving and other Mavericks players.

During the 2024 NBA playoffs, Gafford helped Dallas advance through the Western Conference and reach the NBA Finals.

The Mavericks eventually lost the championship series to the Boston Celtics, but reaching the Finals represented an important milestone in his career.

In July 2025, Gafford signed a three-year contract extension with Dallas, providing additional stability for his professional future.

Throughout his NBA journey, he has continued acknowledging the importance of family support.

His relationship with DaShundra, his parents’ sacrifices and his experiences growing up in Arkansas have all contributed to his values as a professional athlete and community advocate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel Gafford’s Family

Who is Daniel Gafford’s wife?

Daniel Gafford’s wife is DaShundra Morgan Gafford, whom he met while attending the University of Arkansas. The couple married in June 2022.

Who was Daniel Gafford’s girlfriend before marriage?

Daniel Gafford’s longtime girlfriend was DaShundra Morgan. Their relationship began during his college basketball years before they eventually married in 2022.

How did Daniel Gafford meet his wife?

Daniel met DaShundra at an off-campus gathering near the University of Arkansas. According to their account, he approached the area where she was sitting while searching for a Wi-Fi connection, and she initiated their conversation.

When did Daniel Gafford get married?

Daniel Gafford and DaShundra Morgan married in June 2022. Secondary biographical reporting identifies June 8, 2022, as their wedding date.

Did Daniel Gafford’s wife play basketball?

Yes. DaShundra Morgan played basketball at Fayetteville High School in Arkansas before attending the University of Arkansas, according to sports reporting published in 2024.

Does Daniel Gafford have children?

There is no reliable public confirmation that Daniel Gafford has children. Neither the player nor his wife has made a widely verified announcement identifying a son or daughter.

Who are Daniel Gafford’s parents?

Daniel Gafford’s parents are Wayne Gafford and Teresa Frazier, as confirmed by his official NBA and University of Arkansas biographies.

Who is Daniel Gafford’s father?

His father is Wayne Gafford, who has supported Daniel’s basketball development and provided guidance throughout his childhood and professional career.

Who is Daniel Gafford’s mother?

His mother is Teresa Frazier, who raised Daniel and his siblings in El Dorado, Arkansas, and encouraged him to remain disciplined and humble as his basketball career developed.

How many siblings does Daniel Gafford have?

Daniel Gafford has four siblings, according to his official University of Arkansas and NBA biographies.

Who are Daniel Gafford’s brothers?

Secondary biographical reporting identifies Cornelius Watson and Jeremiah Frazier as two of Daniel Gafford’s brothers. Their names are not individually listed in his official NBA biography.

Who is Daniel Gafford’s sister?

Tequillia Renee Frazier has been identified as Daniel Gafford’s older sister in secondary biographical reporting. However, her individual details have not been extensively verified through major sports publications.

Who is Daniel Gafford’s fourth sibling?

Although official records confirm that Gafford has four siblings, the identity of the fourth sibling has not been reliably established in widely available public reporting.

What happened to Daniel Gafford’s grandmother?

Daniel Gafford’s grandmother died in 2007. He discussed her influence during a 2015 interview, explaining that she helped care for him and his siblings while their mother was working.

Where is Daniel Gafford from?

Daniel Gafford was born on October 1, 1998, in El Dorado, Arkansas. He attended El Dorado High School before playing college basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

How old is Daniel Gafford?

Daniel Gafford was born on October 1, 1998, making him 28 years old as of October 2026.

What is Daniel Gafford’s full name?

His publicly documented name is Daniel Gafford. He is also known by the nickname “The Landlord,” reflecting his defensive presence around the basket.

What is the Gaff House Foundation?

The Gaff House Foundation is a charitable initiative established by Daniel Gafford to support underserved communities through educational resources, mentorship, gifts and assistance for families experiencing financial hardship.

Which NBA team does Daniel Gafford play for?

Daniel Gafford plays for the Dallas Mavericks. He joined the franchise in February 2024 after previously representing the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards.