The Boston Celtics are sitting in a strong position atop the Eastern Conference, but that doesn’t mean Brad Stevens and company are standing pat. As the trade deadline nears, the front office has a few clear paths forward - and if they decide to make a move, the center position could be where they look to upgrade.
Two of Boston’s most tradable pieces are Anfernee Simons, on a $27.7 million expiring deal, and Sam Hauser, who’s making $10 million. That kind of salary flexibility gives the Celtics room to get creative.
One name that’s been floated as a potential target? Brooklyn Nets big man Day’Ron Sharpe.
Sharpe, just 24 years old, has quietly built a reputation as a high-energy rebounder and efficient contributor in limited minutes. He’s not a household name yet, but the advanced numbers love him - and for good reason. Despite playing a backup role in Brooklyn, he’s consistently posted elite offensive rebounding rates, giving his team second-chance opportunities that swing momentum.
He’s on a team-friendly deal - two years, $12.5 million, with a team option for 2026-27 - which fits neatly into Boston’s cap structure. And while the Nets may be hesitant to part with a young big who’s just starting to tap into his potential, it’s the kind of call Boston should absolutely be making.
Sharpe’s production this season has been solid in a limited role: 7.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and half a block per game in under 18 minutes a night. He’s appeared in 37 games so far, and he’s had a few standout performances that show what he can do when given extended run.
Just this past week, he dropped 15 points and grabbed nine boards against New Orleans, and followed that up with a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double versus Dallas. That’s the kind of impact off the bench that could make a difference for a contender like Boston.
Drafted 29th overall by Phoenix in 2021 before being traded to Brooklyn, Sharpe has appeared in 228 games over five seasons. His career averages - 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 60.5% shooting - won’t jump off the page, but they do tell the story of a player who knows his role and plays it well.
He’s physical, he crashes the glass, and he finishes efficiently around the rim. For a Celtics team that could use a bit more depth behind Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford, Sharpe’s skill set checks a lot of boxes.
The Celtics don’t need to make a splashy move - they’re already one of the most complete teams in the league. But if they want to shore up their frontcourt with a young, cost-effective big who can rebound, defend, and bring energy off the bench, Day’Ron Sharpe is a name worth watching.