It’s no secret that the Boston Celtics could use a starting-caliber center after a rocky start to the season. Unfortunately for them, a top potential trade target appears to be off the board.
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler was one of the top available big men, but a shoulder injury has cost him the rest of his 2025-26 season. That means that the Celtics will be forced to look elsewhere for a starting center.
That is a disappointing development considering that he is still on his rookie contract, making him far easier to acquire than most veteran big men. He is also just 24 years old, meaning he is younger than the Celtics’ core and still has plenty of room to grow.
Now, Boston will have to scour the trade market for potential upgrades if they want to try to make a playoff push this season.
The Boston Celtics desperately need an upgrade at starting center
Two potential backup trade targets Boston must consider are Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford and Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. Both bring distinct things to the table. Gafford is an athletic, rim-running big man who can protect the basket and finish lobs.
He is also a good rebounder and fits the mold of a defensive anchor center type. Meanwhile, Vucevic is more of an offensive option at center, coming off one of the best years of his career, averaging 19.4 points and 10.4 rebounds, and shooting 41% from three last season.
Defense would be a problem, but he is a better offensive player than Boston currently has at center. He is also on an expiring contract and could be bought back for less next season if he plays well.
Who should the Boston Celtics trade for this season?
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.
That move would give Dallas more backcourt playmaking and scoring, with them in desperate need of both after getting off to a historically bad start offensively this season. He also would allow them to shed Gafford’s salary for the next three seasons.
As for the Celtics, they would get an upgrade at center with Gafford reasonably paid and under contract for three more seasons. He ultimately wouldn’t be a bad backup plan after Kessler’s injury.
Whether the Celtics pull the trigger on a trade for him depends on where they will be in the standings in the next few weeks and months. If they are struggling to stay afloat in a weak Eastern Conference, then they could pull back on making a move.
That would keep their powder dry for a bigger move in the offseason. Even so, without a big trade, the Celtics might make the playoffs, increasing the need for a deal to get done.
