With the NBA trade deadline set for February 5, the Boston Celtics are in a familiar position: sitting comfortably in the Eastern Conference race but always looking for ways to get better. Despite missing Jayson Tatum for the season and trading away key pieces like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason, Boston has been one of the league’s biggest surprises at 18-11. Jaylen Brown has stepped up as the alpha, Neemias Queta has held down the fort at center, and the depth has kept them competitive.
But as the playoffs approach, the Celtics’ frontcourt remains a question mark. Queta has been solid defensively, but Boston could use more reliable size, rim protection, and interior scoring to handle physical playoff series. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has signaled openness to any scenario—buying, selling, or staying put—depending on the offers that come across his desk.
One name generating buzz? Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks.
Why Gafford Makes Sense for Boston
The 26-year-old center has been a reliable two-way big man throughout his career. In 22 games (14 starts) this season with the Mavericks, Gafford is averaging 7.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 62% from the field. His numbers are down from last season’s breakout (12.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG) due to an ankle injury that limited his minutes early and disrupted his rhythm.
When healthy and in rhythm, Gafford is a force:
Elite rim protector and finisherOne of the league’s best at converting lobs and putbacksCapable of switching on the perimeter in small-ball lineups
His career averages across 401 games: 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks on an incredible 70.5% shooting. In Dallas’ recent win over the Sacramento Kings on December 27, Gafford stepped up as a starter for the injured Anthony Davis, delivering 11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block in 23 minutes.
For Boston, Gafford would be a perfect complement to Queta—adding depth, physicality, and finishing ability to the frontcourt without disrupting the motion offense. His ability to roll hard and finish lobs would create easy looks for Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.
Trade Feasibility
Gafford is in the first year of a three-year, $54 million extension signed last July. His salary aligns well with Boston’s trade assets like Anfernee Simons (expiring deal) and Sam Hauser (young shooter with upside). A package could look something like:
Celtics receive: Daniel Gafford Mavericks receive: Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, and a future second-round pick
This keeps Boston under the apron while giving Dallas expiring salary and young talent to reshape around Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
The Bigger Picture
The Celtics have the pieces to be buyers without sacrificing long-term flexibility. Gafford wouldn’t be a blockbuster move, but he addresses a clear need: more dependable size and rim protection off the bench. With the Eastern Conference wide open, even a modest upgrade could make Boston a tougher out in the playoffs.
As the deadline approaches, Brad Stevens will listen to everything. If Dallas makes Gafford available, this is the kind of move that could quietly push the Celtics back into true title contention.
Celtics Nation: The frontcourt depth they’ve been missing might be just one phone call away.