It’s no secret that the Boston Celtics need a long-term solution for their center position. Currently, Neemias Queta is the team’s starting big man, after stepping up following two years as Boston’s fourth-string option. A recent trade proposal by Bleacher Report’s cap expert, Eric Pincus, could be the ideal solution for the Celtics. The proposed move would look like this: Boston Celtics Get: Daniel Gafford and a $27.7 million trade exception via moving Anfernee Simons Dallas Mavericks Get: Anfernee Simons and Haywood Highsmith Brooklyn Nets Get: Klay Thompson, Dwight Powell, the rights to Yam Madar, a 2026 second-round pick via Boston, the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2030 second-round pick via Dallas, the 2031 Houston Rockets second-round pick via Boston, $3.98 million in cash from Dallas and $3.98 million in cash from Boston. Story continues below advertisement In essence, the Celtics would secure Gafford for Anfernee Simons, the rights to Madar, two future seconds and cash. That would be a fair return, especially when factoring in the impact Gafford could have in the middle of the floor. He would instantly give the Celtics a lob-threat on offense, and has the athleticism and size to be a viable rim deterrent while still being switchable in pick-and-roll coverages. “Acquiring Gafford fills a significant hole at center, for a player the team may be unlikely to retain in Simons,” Pincus wrote. “By getting about $1.2 million under the threshold, Boston takes a necessary step toward getting out of the repeater tax.” A lot will depend on what type of team the Celtics are trying to build. If they want to follow the same blueprint that landed them a championship in 2024, they would be better served scouring the market for a perimeter-based big. However, if they’re changing their approach and value the impact a rim-runner can make, Gafford would be an ideal addition. Story continues below advertisement Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown already have experience working with an above-the-rim threat from their time with Robert Williams. And while Gafford isn’t as explosive, his ability to remain on the court will be an encouraging factor. If the Celtics are looking to solve their center issues, and a deal like the one Pincus has proposed arises, it would make sense for them to pick up the phone and participate in negotiations. Story continues below advertisement