"While Gafford could be a useful addition to Boston's frontcourt, Stevens and his staff will have their work cut out for them when it comes to pulling off a trade with Dallas. The asking price for Gafford would presumably lower than the cost to pry Zubac out of Los Angeles. But, Dallas also can't take much money back in a trade with Boston due to being hard-capped at the second apron of the NBA's current luxury-tax structure."
"Current Celtics starting center Neemias Queta has more than held his own with his increased minutes this season, averaging 10.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game) But, a player like Gafford would give Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics another option to turn to in the paint, especially after an offseason where Boston lost plenty of depth up front between Al Horford and Luke Kornet."
Brad Stevens and Celtics management are seeking to upgrade Boston's frontcourt before the NBA trade deadline and have checked in on Dallas center Daniel Gafford. Gafford, 27, is averaging 7.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 28 games while averaging 20.9 minutes per game in 2025-26. Neemias Queta averages 10.0 points and 8.3 rebounds with increased minutes, but Gafford would provide an alternate paint option after offseason losses of Al Horford and Luke Kornet. Gafford signed a three-year extension that triggers next season, with a projected $17.2 million salary in 2026-27. Dallas is hard-capped at the second apron, which limits money Dallas can take back in a trade and complicates trade construction for Boston.
Read at Boston.com
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