The Boston Celtics knew they would have an issue at center coming into this season.
They have relied on Neemias Queta, Josh Minott, and Luka Garza to fulfill their center minutes so far.
Boston shows no signs of taking a year off despite their 5-6 record to start the season.
If they really are looking to solve this problem and have a more complete roster, Cal Durrett of Hoops Habit believes one player would be the ideal fit for Boston.
“Two potential backup trade targets Boston must consider are Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford and Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic,” Durrett said Monday.
“Between the two options, Gafford might be better given his balance on both ends of the floor. One potential trade package would see the Celtics ship Anfernee Simons to the Mavericks in a deal centered around Gafford.”
Durrett believes that a potential trade built around Anfernee Simons for Daniel Gafford would solve the Celtics’ biggest problem.
Gafford would immediately become the Celtics' starting center and solve so many of their issues.
He provides elite rim protection and is a great rebounder.
Gafford has never been a score-first guy, but between Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, and Derrick White taking a majority of the shots, that won’t matter.
He is in a situation with the Dallas Mavericks that isn’t ideal for him, stuck sharing minutes with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, and P.J. Washington.
Gafford is still just 27 years old and could be a long-term piece for the Celtics to help them compete.
Shedding Simon's contract and acquiring Gafford would be a great move for Boston moving forward.
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