The Celtics have received strong play from their frontcourt in recent weeks, but it appears they are still in the market for more big man depth. One week after HoopsHype reported that Boston has expressed interest in Clippers big man Ivica Zubac, NBA insider Marc Stein reports that Boston is one of three teams that have checked in on Mavericks center Daniel Gafford. The Hawks and Pacers have also shown interest for the Dallas center.
The big man is currently starting at center for a struggling Mavericks team that has been decimated by injuries this season. Gafford, 27, is averaging 7.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game this year in 28 appearances, including 19 starts.
Gafford only makes $14.3 million this season but he signed an extension in July worth $54 million over the next three years, which will bump his salary up to $17.2 million for the 2026-27 season.
The logic for the Mavericks in looking to deal Gafford is quite obvious. Dallas had a win-now mentality under previous general manager Nico Harrison but amid his departure and an injury-plagued 14-25 start to the season, a bigger reset is being considered. Anthony Davis has been frequently mentioned in trade rumors while other veterans like Gafford on mid-tier deals (Klay Thompson, Caleb Martin, D’Angelo Russell) are certainly available at the right price.
The question the Celtics will need to weigh with Gafford along with other potential big man targets is the cost factor. Any potential swap for Gafford would need to involve a larger salary to make the money work to satisfy NBA trade rules. The Mavericks are also dealing with the limitations of being hard capped at the second apron as they currently sit just $1.5 million below that number with their current salary commitments. Due to that, the Mavericks realistically can’t take much more money back than they send out in a deal for Gafford so a Dallas trade wouldn’t be a way for Boston to reduce their own luxury tax penalities unless a third team was involved.
The Celtics will also need to continue to weigh the value of their own potential trade chips with larger salaries (Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser) against the impact of a big man like Gafford. The asking price on Gafford would likely be far lower than Zubac but it’s fair to wonder just how big of an upgrade he would be on Boston’s current rotation at center given what the cost might be.
Ultimately, this is a name and team worth keeping a close eye on as the Mavericks are expected to remain active in trade talks leading up to the Feb. 5 deadline.