The Boston Celtics have made it clear they’re looking to bolster their frontcourt depth before February's NBA trade deadline. Over the last few weeks, the Celtics have reportedly shown interest in L.A. Clippers center Ivica Zubac and a reunion with Robert Williams III, adding to just how badly Boston needs help down low.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Celtics have added another center to their trade wish list, as they are one of three teams who’ve reputedly expressed interest in Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford. Celtics fans should be familiar with the seven-year veteran, as he was on the losing end of Boston raising their 18th banner just two seasons ago.
With the trade deadline slowly approaching, the Celtics should act fast and make a move for Gafford to bolster their frontcourt depth.
Celtics Should Go All-In on a Daniel Gafford Trade
Despite their numerous departures and superstar Jayson Tatum being sidelined, the Celtics have defied many fans' expectations, sitting third in the Eastern Conference standings with a 24-15 record as of Wednesday afternoon. However, like all teams, the Celtics have their weaknesses, and one of theirs has been rebounding.
Without Tatum, the Celtics have relied on Neemias Queta on the glass. While Queta has been stellar at crashing the boards, the rest of the team has struggled. Although they've gotten better as of late, the Celtics rank 14th in rebounds (44.5) and 20th in defensive rebounds (31.9). One of the reasons for this is due to their lack of quality frontcourt depth.
Even though Queta has emerged as a starting-caliber center, the Celtics haven’t gotten much production outside of him. Luka Garza is great inside five feet, but he struggles with consistency and isn’t a reliable defender. Meanwhile, the Celtics' other two centers, Chris Boucher and Xavier Tillman, have been non-factors this year.
Acquiring Gafford would solve these problems. Gafford has excelled at rebounding and rim protection throughout his career and was a valuable piece to the Mavericks’ 2024 NBA Finals run, averaging nine points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks during that postseason. Although he’s having a down season, averaging just 7.9 points and 6.4 rebounds, Gafford remains an impactful player.
Gafford’s Skillset Makes Him a Top Priority
Gafford’s skill set would fit perfectly with the Celtics, who need his services. The Celtics have struggled against physically imposing teams this season, as evidenced by their losses to the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers. Adding Gafford would give them a tremendous boost against these teams.
Not only that, but Gafford would also be a great addition to the Celtics' pick-and-roll. Head coach Joe Mazzulla’s offense relies heavily on the use of screens and pick-and-rolls, and he’s tasked Payton Pritchard and Derrick White with the majority of these duties. The two have established a great connection with Queta, who ranks fifth in screen assists (3.9), as he’s able to score easy points off dump-offs or lobs.
Playing alongside Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, Gafford has been used in a similar way, which played a huge part in posting a career-high in points (12.3) last season.
The Celtics shouldn’t hesitate to acquire Gafford. Although Zubac is a better player than Gafford, the Celtics won't have to give up as much to acquire him. Still, Boston will have some work to do if they want to land him.
While Gafford’s current contract isn’t too costly for the Celtics, the Mavericks are hard-capped at the second apron and cannot take on more money. That means the Celtics cannot just give Anfernee Simons up in a trade and will need to get another team involved.
Having said that, if Boston can pull it off a trade, Gafford is the exact type of piece that can give Mazzulla's lineup a huge boost down the stretch, making it interest to see if a deal will be hashed out.