As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Boston Celtics do not intend to stand pat.
More than simply being buyers, Boston appears focused on upgrading one specific area of the roster.
That focus, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, is on adding a starting-caliber center.
“They’ve been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially,” Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show. “So, they’re gonna be, I think, aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets, they’ve got contracts to use and play with.”
With that in mind, a familiar group of names have started circulating in trade conversations.
Boston Celtics Exploring Options in the Frontcourt
In any potential deal, Anfernee Simons’ $27.6 million expiring contract stands out as Boston’s most significant trade chip in the pursuit of a quality center.
According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Celtics’ internal shortlist includes Ivica Zubac, Nic Claxton, Onyeka Okongwu, and Daniel Gafford.
Gafford, in particular, appears to be one of the more attainable options on the market, though Boston may not be alone in its interest.
“Daniel Gafford is generating strong interest for the Mavericks during trade season,” Sidery reported. “The Celtics, Hawks, Hornets, Pacers, and Warriors are among the teams to check in on Gafford.”
“Gafford appears to be the most likely player on Dallas’ roster to be moved by the trade deadline.”
The Mavericks center is coming off a career-high campaign in 2024-25, averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game, on 70.2% shooting from the field.
His momentum, however, has been slowed this season after spending time in and out of the line-up with injuries.
Through 30 games this year, Gafford is averaging 7.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 20.6 minutes per game, while shooting 62.4%.
Evaluating the Fit and the Alternatives
Gafford is in the final year of a three year, $40.1 million contract and is earning $14.3 million this season. A three year, $54.3 million contract extension will then take effect, beginning at $17.2 million annually and increasing to $18.9 million by the 2028-29 campaign.
While Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have both provided more than expected in limited roles, there is a growing belief that Boston would benefit from a more established presence at center.
With Jayson Tatum expected to return in time for a late season push, reinforcing the middle could be a way to stabilize the rotation and raise the team’s postseason ceiling.
Whether Gafford fully fits the “big-time starting center” profile Boston is reportedly targeting remains open to debate, but he would represent a calculated veteran swing, particularly if he can stay healthy.
Zubac may align more cleanly with that description and remains a name that continues to surface, even as questions linger about his availability.
ClutchPoints’ Tom Azerly recently reported that the Clippers could have interest in Simons, which may open a realistic pathway to discussions.
“Other players that have been linked to the Clippers over the last several days are Collin Sexton, Anfernee Simons, and Coby White,” Azerly reported. “All three players are on expiring contracts and are currently on teams that likely prefer to move them for the right price.”
Additional names tied to Boston include New Orleans Pelicans big man Yves Missi and Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr., though the latter would almost certainly require a substantial package to pry loose.
With multiple teams monitoring Gafford’s availability, competition could escalate quickly.
For a Celtics team firmly fixed in the title picture at 28-17 and sitting second in the Eastern Conference, adding a proven rim protector could be the kind of measured move that helps define a postseason run alongside Tatum’s return and Jaylen Brown’s MVP-level play.
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