The Celtics are rumored to be buyers heading into the trade deadline next month, and one area they will be looking to upgrade is the frontcourt, sources tell MassLive.
One center that is expected to be available ahead of the trade deadline is Nets backup center Day’Ron Sharpe. The big man is in the midst of a strong season, posting 7.9 points and 6.2 rebounds in just 18.1 minutes per game. He’s on a modest contract ($6.25 million) that includes a team option for next season, making him a good fit for teams that may not have the flexibility to add much payroll, like Boston.
The Celtics reportedly had interest in Sharpe this past offseason per Michael Scotto of Hoopshype before Sharpe elected to re-sign with Brooklyn. However, it appears the big man will have multiple suitors at the trade deadline beyond Boston, according to Zach Lowe of the Ringer.
“Sharpe is going to have a market,” Lowe said on the Zach Lowe podcast. “It wouldn’t surprise me if the Nets actually got kind of a bad but still a (first-round pick) for Day’Ron Sharpe. He has a team option next year for $6 million. I could see them netting a first-round pick for him.”
The Celtics still have multiple first-round picks available to trade at the deadline, including the 2026 selection that currently sits at No. 26. Boston’s pick is likely to fall in the 20s this year given their strong start to the year, so it will be interesting if they put that on the table to add Sharpe. He provides some valuable rebounding ability but is not a floor stretcher (26 percent career from 3-point range).
Boston could look to reduce their luxury tax bill as well in a potential move with the Nets since Brooklyn has the ability to absorb a higher salary with their $15.2 million in cap room without sending much out in the deal.
The NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 5.