Brad Stevens
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Brad Stevens is the president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics.
The Boston Celtics have been a pleasant surprise in the Eastern Conference this season after gutting their roster and dealing with Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles.
At the beginning of the season, no one knew what to expect from the Celtics. Without Tatum, there were major concerns that Boston could be facing a gap year. Add in the team trading both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis away during the offseason and those concerns grew even louder.
However, that hasn’t been the case.
Jaylen Brown has been playing like a legitimate MVP candidate. His supporting cast has also stepped up around him and the Celtics currently hold a 29-17 record. That has them as the No. 2 seed in the conference behind the Detroit Pistons.
With that being said, the NBA trade deadline is coming up quickly. Boston has been rumored to be a team looking to buy ahead of the deadline and is reportedly looking for an upgrade at the center position.
Boston Celtics Linked to $54.3 Million Center Via Trade
One potential option who could make sense for the Celtics is Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford. He has been mentioned quite often as a potential trade candidate leading up to the deadline.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus suggested Boston as one of the top trade destinations for Gafford if the Mavericks decided to part ways with him.
Here is what Pincus had to say about why Dallas might decide to trade the 27-year-old big man.
“With an expensive projected payroll for next season, getting out of Gafford would relieve some pressure on the team’s finances,” he wrote. “Several franchises could use a starting capable center on a friendly (though lengthy) contract.”
Gafford would elevate the Celtics both this season and moving forward. He has three years remaining on his deal and would be a perfect fit for Boston even when Tatum gets back on the court.
What Would the Celtics Be Getting By Acquiring Gafford?
So far this season with the Mavericks, Gafford has played in 30 games and made 20 starts. He has averaged 7.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. Last season in 57 games and 31 starts, he averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.4 assists per game.
Those numbers showcase his ability to be a threat on the offensive side of the ball. He’s an excellent rebounder and can score off of offensive rebounds and lobs.
Defensively, Gafford is a capable rim protector. He isn’t an elite defensive presence, but he’s above average. That would fit what the Celtics need from the center position.
There have been no reports about what Boston would have to give up to acquire Gafford. He isn’t going to come cheap, but he won’t break the bank either.
If the Celtics want to acquire a perfect scheme fit that checks the boxes for what they need at the position, Gafford would be an excellent target to pursue.