Celtics reportedly exhibiting commerce curiosity in Mavericks huge man

Boston Celtics

The Celtics may use another choice up entrance to enhance a giant man like Neemias Queta.

As Brad Stevens and the remainder of the Celtics’ prime brass search avenues to improve Boston’s frontcourt earlier than the NBA commerce deadline, a brand new goal is reportedly within the combine. 

Per week after Michael Scotto of Hoopshype reported that the Celtics had been one of many groups expressing curiosity in buying and selling for Clippers heart Ivica Zubac, longtime NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that Boston is considered one of three groups who’ve checked in on Dallas Mavericks huge man Daniel Gafford.

Each the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers have additionally kicked the tires on Gafford, Stein added.

The 27-year-old Gafford is averaging 7.9 factors, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per recreation throughout 28 video games this season with Dallas,m logging an averaging of 20.9 minutes per recreation to this point in 2025-26. 

Present Celtics beginning heart Neemias Queta has greater than held his personal together with his elevated minutes this season, averaging  10.0 factors and eight.3 rebounds per recreation)

However, a participant like Gafford would give Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics another choice to show to within the paint, particularly after an offseason the place Boston misplaced loads of depth up entrance between Al Horford and Luke Kornet. 

Gafford signed a three-year contract extension with Dallas in July that may kick in subsequent season, with the 6-foot-11 huge man anticipated to command a $17.2 million wage for the 2026-27 season.

Whereas Gafford might be a helpful addition to Boston’s frontcourt, Stevens and his workers could have their work lower out for them on the subject of pulling off a commerce with Dallas. 

The asking value for Gafford would presumably decrease than the associated fee to pry Zubac out of Los Angeles. However, Dallas can also’t take a lot a reimbursement in a commerce with Boston as a result of being hard-capped on the second apron of the NBA’s present luxury-tax construction. 

As such, Boston couldn’t simply commerce away a high-priced participant like Anfernee Simons ($27.6 million wage this season on an expiring deal) with a view to make the cash work for Gafford, who’s making $14.3 million in wage this season.

The NBA commerce deadline is ready for Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m. 

 

Conor Ryan is a workers author overlaying the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Crimson Sox for Boston.com, a job he has held since 2023.