As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Boston Celtics are actively exploring opportunities to bolster their frontcourt. With the aim of adding depth alongside Neemias Queta, the Celtics have reportedly shown interest in Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford. This follows recent reports linking the team to Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Celtics are among three teams vying for Gafford, with the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers also expressing interest. The 27-year-old Gafford has been performing solidly this season, averaging 7.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game over 28 games, while logging around 20.9 minutes each game.
Currently, Queta has stepped up as the starting center for Boston, contributing 10.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. However, adding a player of Gafford’s caliber could enhance the Celtics’ options in the paint, especially given the team’s loss of depth during the offseason with departures like Al Horford and Luke Kornet.
Gafford recently signed a three-year contract extension with the Mavericks, set to take effect next season, which will see his salary reach $17.2 million for the 2026-27 season. While he could be a valuable addition, the Celtics may face challenges in negotiating a trade due to Dallas’s hard-cap situation under the NBA’s luxury-tax rules. This complicates the possibility of the Celtics moving high-salaried players like Anfernee Simons, who has a salary of $27.6 million on an expiring deal.
With the NBA trade deadline looming on February 5, the Celtics’ front office will need to act decisively to strengthen their roster and enhance their competitiveness for the remainder of the season. The potential addition of Gafford could be a pivotal move for Boston as they look to make a deeper playoff run.