The Boston Celtics might have their eyes on a big man who has been proposed as a trade target by many an NBA analyst in the last year or so. According to recent reporting from the Stein Line’s Marc Stein, the Celtics “is said to have some interest in the Dallas big man,” the Celtics evidently testing the waters while looking for a trade destination for former Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons.
However, if the Celtics truly have interest in Gafford, they will have some competition for his services if the Mavs are even open to dealing him to another ball club. Per Stein, the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers both have interest in trading for the Dallas center as well.
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Keep in mind this reporting does not highlight when Boston made calls about Gafford, as it was reported widely that the Celtics were trying hard to move Simons ahead of and early into the 2025-26 NBA regular season. Since then, however, Simons has worked his way into Boston’s rotation while considerably improving his defensive skills.
DALLAS, TEXAS – JUNE 12: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics battle for a loose ball against P.J. Washington #25 and Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter in Game Three of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
In the midst of silly season (when you have to think about who is reporting what about whom and when as teams and agents try to negotiate through the media), such details are critical.
Currently making $14.3 million with three more years remaining at an average annual value of about $18 million, Gafford is putting up 7.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game with the Mavs in his age 27 season.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Report: Celtics ‘have some interest’ in Mavs big man Daniel Gafford