Wizards, Gafford agree to three-year, $40 million extension

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (21) dribbles in the first half during NBA game against the New York Knicks, Friday Oct. 15, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) **FILE**Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford agreed to a three-year, $40 million extension late Monday — a move that rewards the 23-year-old for his productive play and keeps him under contract for the foreseeable future.

Gafford, acquired from the Chicago Bulls at the trade deadline last March, proved to be a steal for the Wizards in the final months of the 2020-21 season. In 23 games, he averaged 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per contest for Washington. The Wizards valued Gafford for his ability to…