The Boston Celtics have spent the opening stretch of the season outperforming expectations. They sit third in the East, have won consistently behind Jaylen Brown playing at an elite level, and have leaned on rising contributors throughout the rotation. Neemias Queta has stabilized the center spot after major offseason departures, but the depth behind him remains fluid.
With the trade market beginning to form, one idea proposed by Fansided’s Tyler Watts suggests Boston could target a center entering his prime: Daniel Gafford.
The Trade Idea: Gafford to Boston in Three-Team Structure
Recent reports by Jake Fischer have indicated that Gafford is a name expected to surface in deadline conversations. Watts outlined a multi-team scenario for the Celtics built around Anfernee Simons and his expiring contract. Simons is in a contract year and unlikely to be a long-term piece for Boston. His role has shifted, but he remains a talented scorer and capable playmaker who has handled a difficult situation professionally. He still has value, and in this structure that value helps Boston reshape the roster.
Celtics receive:
- Daniel Gafford
- Haywood Highsmith
Dallas Mavericks receive:
- Ziaire Williams
- Cam Thomas
- 2031 first-round pick
Brooklyn Nets receive:
- Anfernee Simons
- Three second-round picks
For Boston, the logic is simple. They turn an expiring contract into a starting-caliber center and add a switchable wing in Highsmith who fits their defensive identity. The structure also helps each team involved address a different need.
Where the Celtics Stand at Center
Queta has been one of the season’s most important internal developments. His consistency, rim protection and improved feel have brought stability to the starting group. Behind him, the Celtics have patched together minutes through matchups. Luka Garza offers offensive spark but has defensive limitations. Chris Boucher and Xavier Tillman have provided situational depth. Boston has also leaned more heavily into small-ball second units, which have worked well in stretches.
The structure is functional. It might not be final. But adding another reliable rim-runner would give Joe Mazzulla a look this roster does not currently have.
Why Gafford Fits What the Celtics Look For
Daniel Gafford brings a profile the Celtics value. He protects the rim, moves well in space and gives Boston another vertical athlete who can anchor possessions without needing touches. His contract is team-friendly through 2028–29, and his skill set mirrors what Boston typically asks of its centers: defend, screen, finish and stay within structure.
At 27, he also fits the long-term timeline, especially once Jayson Tatum returns to full strength.
One factor to watch is how the Mavericks respond to Dereck Lively II’s injury. The former Duke big man is set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing a right foot procedure. His absence could make Dallas less willing to move Gafford, who have thinned at the position. It could also push them toward a more flexible deadline approach if they decide to recalibrate their roster and look to the future. The picture is fluid, especially with larger headlines circulating around Dallas and rumblings of an Anthony Davis trade.
Still, the basketball fit is clean. Gafford gives Boston another dependable interior presence and a player whose strengths translate immediately into Mazzulla’s system.
The Verdict for Boston
Boston must decide whether adding long-term money at center is the best use of its flexibility. Small-ball units have delivered real value. Queta has taken a leap. Garza, Boucher and Tillman give Mazzulla multiple looks depending on matchups. Adding Gafford strengthens certain areas but alters the rotation’s shape.
Simons’ contract creates the opportunity to explore deals like this, but the Celtics need to determine whether this is the moment to convert it into a frontcourt piece. Availability, price and Dallas’ stance will all play a role.
If the price remains reasonable, this is the type of move that strengthens Boston now without sacrificing long-term structure. If not, the Celtics have shown all season that internal growth and adaptability can stabilize the position without major moves.
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