The Boston Celtics officially blew a 3-1 lead to the Philadelphia 76ers. Being eliminated from the playoffs in this fashion is embarrassing for the franchise, especially after they were the favorites to win the East. Now, the offseason is upon them.
Boston didn’t have Jayson Tatum for most of the season. Yet, he was excellent in the games he was able to play in this series against Philly. They have other positions that need to be addressed, especially in the frontcourt. The rotation of centers had no answers for Joel Embiid.
Bleacher Report believes that the Celtics will target a center in an offseason trade who has been seemingly available for a while.
Celtics Predicted to Pursue Mavericks Center Daniel Gafford
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report believes that the Celtics could go after Mavericks center Daniel Gafford this offseason. Gafford was frequently mentioned in trade rumors at the 2026 deadline but ultimately stayed in Dallas. Buckley makes a strong case for why Boston should make a run at him.
“He forces absolutely nothing on the offensive end, as he’s content to feast on the scoring chances his more crafty teammates create,” Buckley wrote. “He’ll lean into the elbow-grease aspects of the center position, like rolling hard out of solid screens or motoring down the floor for easy looks, and maximize his chances when his effort is rewarded. That materializes in different ways, but it’s most evident in his career 70.2 field-goal percentage.”
Why Gafford Fits Boston Perfectly
The Celtics’ lack of a reliable, physical center was painfully exposed in the series against Philadelphia. Embiid dominated the paint, and Boston’s current bigs struggled to contain him or provide consistent rim protection and lob threat on the other end.
Daniel Gafford would address those weaknesses immediately. The 27-year-old is one of the most efficient finishers in the NBA (career 70.2% FG) and excels as a vertical spacer who can catch lobs from playmakers like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday. Defensively, he brings energy, shot-blocking ability, and physicality — traits the Celtics desperately lacked against Embiid.
Gafford has been on the trade block for some time due to Dallas’ crowded frontcourt and desire for more spacing. This makes him a realistic target for Boston without requiring a massive overpay.
What’s Next for the Celtics?
This first-round exit — especially after entering the postseason as Eastern Conference favorites — will likely force significant changes. While the core of Tatum and Brown should remain intact, the front office needs to improve the supporting cast, particularly at center.
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