3 Centers For Boston Celtics To Target This Offseason

The Boston Celtics flamed out in the first round this season, and there's blame all around. But one of the spots that they failed in, and were significantly weaker in this season, was at center. Nikola Vucevic did not provide much of an impact, on offense or defense, and is one of the most likely Celtics not to return next season.

Let's have a look at three centers that the Celtics should target on the trade market this summer to fill that void for next season.

Day'Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets

The Nets have until June 28 to decide on their $6.25M team option on Sharpe. He's been a consistent contributor off the bench for them the past couple of seasons, and his team-friendly number makes it quite likely that they'll pick up that option. But trade rumors have followed Sharpe the past year or two, and it would be a surprise if the Celtics didn't make an inquiry.

Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons

Stewart filled a big role off the bench for Detroit this season, and finished 7th in the balloting for Sixth Man. But his on-court tirades which have led to five suspensions in his short career, may have the Pistons finally at their wits' end with the volatile Stewart.

His contract is guaranteed for only one more year, followed by a club option. So it wouldn't be a long-term commitment to trade for him if things don't work out.

Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks

Dallas just signed Gafford last summer to a three-year extension that kicks in next season. But with a whole new management team coming in under new hire Masai Ujiri, it remains to be seen where Gafford fits in the plans the veteran executive has in mind for the Mavs roster. It might be worth making the call for Boston, to see if Ujiri would rather free himself up from that $54 million commitment.

Gafford is an elite rim-protecting, shot-blocking defender—something the Celtics lacked this season after trading away Kristaps Porzingis last summer. Gaffard can also do some damage at the other end, as an athletic pick-and-roll finisher. He'd be a strong addition to the Celtics frontcourt.