It is no secret that the Boston Celtics might use a starting-caliber middle after a rocky begin to the season. Sadly for them, a high potential commerce goal seems to be off the board.
Utah Jazz middle Walker Kessler was one of many high out there massive males, however a shoulder harm has price him the remainder of his 2025-26 season. That signifies that the Celtics will probably be pressured to look elsewhere for a beginning middle.
That could be a disappointing growth contemplating that he’s nonetheless on his rookie contract, making him far simpler to accumulate than most veteran massive males. He’s additionally simply 24 years outdated, which means he’s youthful than the Celtics’ core and nonetheless has loads of room to develop.
Now, Boston must scour the commerce marketplace for potential upgrades in the event that they wish to attempt to make a playoff push this season.
The Boston Celtics desperately want an improve at beginning middle
Two potential backup commerce targets Boston should take into account are Dallas Mavericks massive man Daniel Gafford and Chicago Bulls middle Nikola Vucevic. Each deliver distinct issues to the desk. Gafford is an athletic, rim-running massive man who can defend the basket and end lobs.
He’s additionally a very good rebounder and suits the mildew of a defensive anchor middle kind. In the meantime, Vucevic is extra of an offensive choice at middle, coming off top-of-the-line years of his profession, averaging 19.4 factors and 10.4 rebounds, and capturing 41% from three final season.
Protection could be an issue, however he’s a greater offensive participant than Boston at the moment has at middle. He’s additionally on an expiring contract and may very well be purchased again for much less subsequent season if he performs properly.
Who ought to the Boston Celtics commerce for this season?
Between the 2 choices, Gafford may be higher given his stability on each ends of the ground. One potential commerce package deal would see the Celtics ship Anfernee Simons to the Mavericks in a deal centered round Gafford.
That transfer would give Dallas extra backcourt playmaking and scoring, with them in determined want of each after getting off to a traditionally unhealthy begin offensively this season. He additionally would enable them to shed Gafford’s wage for the subsequent three seasons.
As for the Celtics, they might get an improve at middle with Gafford moderately paid and beneath contract for 3 extra seasons. He in the end would not be a foul backup plan after Kessler’s harm.
Whether or not the Celtics pull the set off on a commerce for him will depend on the place they are going to be within the standings within the subsequent few weeks and months. If they’re struggling to remain afloat in a weak Japanese Convention, then they may pull again on making a transfer.
That will hold their powder dry for an even bigger transfer within the offseason. Even so, with no massive commerce, the Celtics may make the playoffs, growing the necessity for a deal to get carried out.
