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Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have spent the first stretch of the season looking steadier than anyone expected. They’ve defended well, survived injuries and found legitimate production across the roster. And in the middle, they’ve been lifted by the rise of Neemias Queta, whose consistency has brought real stability to a position that looked uncertain over the summer.
Queta’s emergence has been one of the clearest wins of the season. It has strengthened Boston’s identity. It has given them a reliable presence at the rim. And it has allowed the front office to approach the trade market from a position of confidence instead of need.
But it hasn’t closed the door on exploring additional help.
According to a recent idea from Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, one name worth evaluating is Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford.
Why Gafford Fits What Boston Looks For
Gafford brings a straightforward skill set. He protects the rim, runs the floor, finishes above the basket and plays with the type of vertical presence Boston has used effectively in past seasons. He’s mobile enough to survive in the schemes Joe Mazzulla prefers and physical enough to hold his ground inside.
He also fits the Celtic model at the position. Boston has never required its centers to be creators. They ask them to screen, roll, defend and stay ready. Gafford does each of those things at a dependable level.
Contract-wise, he’s on a team-friendly deal through 2028–29. For a front office navigating cap constraints and planning around Jayson Tatum’s recovery, that matters.
How He Would Shape the Rotation
Gafford strengthens what Boston already has. He adds athleticism and gives Boston another playable big who can absorb minutes, make screens and protect the paint. A pairing of Gafford and Queta would give the Celtics two reliable options who can keep the rim secure and maintain defensive identity.
He also stabilizes the second unit. Matchups that require size become easier to navigate. And he gives Mazzulla another look without changing the structure of the team.
The development of Neemias Queta has been one of my favorite parts of the Celtics season so far.
What the Celtics Must Weigh
The fit is clean, but the details still matter. Dallas would ask for real assets. Boston must decide whether Gafford represents the best use of those pieces, or if the resources should go toward a wing or guard instead.
This is where the internal picture becomes important. The Celtics are not trying to solve a crisis at center. Queta’s growth has bought them stability. Any move must align with next season’s window, not interrupt the development happening now.
Gafford is a helpful piece. He just isn’t the only path.
My brain watching Neemias Queta right now
The Verdict for the Celtics
Daniel Gafford checks the boxes. The Celtics would gain size, athleticism and dependable rim protection on a friendly contract. His game aligns with the system, matches the timeline and strengthens the rotation without forcing Boston to alter its identity.
But the Celtics do not need to force anything. Queta has played well enough to give them options instead of obligations. If Dallas keeps the price reasonable, Gafford is a logical addition. If not, Boston can look elsewhere or simply continue strengthening the pieces already in place.
The point is flexibility. And for a roster preparing for its next full-strength run, that flexibility matters as much as any trade target.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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