Exceeding all expectations in the 2025-26 season, the Boston Celtics are faced with a fascinating dilemma heading into next week's NBA trade deadline. They can either stand pat and see how far they can go, regardless of whether Jayson Tatum returns or not. Or, they can aggressively pursue upgrades to increase their postseason chances in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
If the Celtics are to be buyers at the deadline, they will almost certainly add to their center rotation. Neemias Queta has performed admirably as the starting center, and the Celtics are getting more out of Luka Garza than they initially thought, but Boston clearly needs more quality and depth at center.
One name that has emerged as a potential target in recent weeks is Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks. There is an abundance of big men in Dallas, and the Mavs are not going anywhere, making Gafford potentially available on the trade market. The 27-year-old wouldn't require breaking the bank for the Celtics and would be a seamless fit.
Daniel Gafford Heads to Boston in Projected Celtics-Mavericks Trade
In this mock trade scenario, the Celtics acquire Gafford by sending Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, and a first-round pick to Dallas. The year or the protections on the first-rounder could change depending on how each team values the players in the trade, but this is a framework that could work for both teams.
Gafford has found a ton of success since joining the Mavs, playing a key role as the starting center in their run to the NBA Finals when they lost to the Celtics. This earned him a three-year, $54 million contract extension in the 2025 offseason that kicks in next season. It may not be the most team-friendly contract out there, but Gafford would be an ideal fit for a team looking for a two-way, starting-caliber center.
Offensively, Gafford is the ultimate rim-running, offensive-rebounding center. He doesn't space the floor with his shooting or create his own shot. But, he is extremely efficient from the field, averaging an incredible 71.5% True Shooting for his career. He is a good finisher around the basket and a great lob threat. If he catches the ball or grabs the rebound around the rim, he will score more often than not.
Defensively, Gafford is not the biggest or strongest center, but he is a good rim protector. He is mobile enough to play next to another big man if needed.
Now that Ivica Zubac is seemingly off the market, Gafford might be the best center who may be moved at the deadline. He may not have the reputation that some of the other trade candidates do, but Gafford would make an immediate impact for the Celtics on both ends of the floor.
Losing Hauser would hurt for a bit, but Gafford fills a bigger need for a team one move away from contending, making this projected trade one that must become a Celtics reality.