With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles tear, it would’ve been fair to assume the Boston Celtics were heading into a transitional season. The expectation was that Boston might focus on internal development, manage the books by ducking the luxury tax, and maybe position themselves for a better draft pick. But here we are, more than halfway through the regular season, and the Celtics are sitting second in the Eastern Conference - and they’re doing it without their franchise cornerstone.
Jaylen Brown has stepped into the spotlight with purpose, and he’s had plenty of help. Derrick White has been rock solid on both ends, and Payton Pritchard has provided a steady hand off the bench. This isn’t a team treading water - it’s a team that’s found a way to win, and now, it might be time to push the chips in.
With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, Boston’s front office is reportedly shifting gears. Instead of shedding salary, they’re exploring ways to add - and a starting-caliber center is at the top of their wish list.
“They've been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially,” said NBA insider Shams Charania. “They’re going to be aggressive in moving the needle.
They’ve got assets. They’ve got contracts to play with.”
Right now, the Celtics’ center rotation features Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and rookie Amari Williams. All three have had moments, but if Boston is serious about making a playoff run - and potentially contending when (or if) Tatum returns - they’ll need more size, athleticism, and experience in the middle.
Enter the Brooklyn Nets.
Brooklyn may be in the midst of a tanking season, but they’ve got two intriguing big men who could help the Celtics right away: Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe.
Claxton, in particular, has bounced back strong after an injury-plagued 2024-25 season. The 27-year-old is averaging 12.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game, shooting nearly 58 percent from the field.
That puts him in elite company - he’s one of just five centers in the league averaging at least 12 points, seven boards, and four assists on 50 percent shooting or better. The others?
Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun, Domantas Sabonis, and Evan Mobley. Not bad company to keep.
Claxton brings a versatile defensive presence, can switch onto the perimeter, and has shown improved playmaking. He’s not a traditional bruiser in the paint, but his mobility and skill set would be a major upgrade for Boston’s current frontcourt.
To make a deal work financially, the Celtics would likely need to use Anfernee Simons’ $27.6 million expiring contract. They’d also need to include a first-round pick - a steep price, especially considering Claxton’s limitations as a defensive rebounder.
Boston did explore a similar framework with the Clippers for Ivica Zubac - Simons, a first-rounder, and a future pick swap - but that deal never gained traction. A comparable offer could be on the table for Claxton, but it’s unclear if the Celtics are ready to part with that kind of draft capital.
And there’s another wrinkle: Simons has been playing some of his best basketball of the season. Over his last 16 games, he’s averaging 15.8 points while shooting a scorching 43.8 percent from deep on 7.6 attempts per game.
"Jaylen Brown has to be in the MVP conversation for what he's done with this Celtics team..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 23, 2026
Boston could be a team looking to make a move before the trade deadline" ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/3Brhpavexf
With Tatum out, his floor spacing and ability to create off the dribble have been critical next to Jaylen Brown. Trading him now would leave a noticeable void in the backcourt.
That said, the Celtics also have to think about next season. If Tatum returns healthy, the team will need a more reliable presence at center to complement their All-Star duo. Simons' expiring deal - acquired when Boston offloaded Jrue Holiday to Portland - gives them a rare opportunity to add talent without long-term financial commitment.
If Claxton proves too expensive, Boston could turn to a more budget-friendly option in Day’Ron Sharpe. The Celtics had their eye on Sharpe during the offseason, hoping to sign him as a starter, but could only offer the minimum. He ultimately re-signed with Brooklyn on a two-year, $12.5 million deal.
Sharpe is on a bargain contract - $6.25 million this season - and he’s producing like one of the league’s top backup bigs. The 24-year-old is averaging 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in just over 18 minutes a night, while shooting over 60 percent from the floor. He’s not as dynamic as Claxton defensively, but he’s strong on the glass and has shown flashes as a passer and finisher.
The Nets value Sharpe highly, and prying him loose wouldn’t be cheap. A late first-round pick - Boston currently holds the 24th pick - might be the starting point in any negotiations.
Bottom line: The Celtics have options. They’ve outperformed expectations without Tatum, and now they have a chance to solidify their frontcourt ahead of the playoff push. Whether it’s a splashy move for Claxton or a more measured play for Sharpe, Boston looks poised to be active at the deadline - and that’s a testament to the resilience of this roster and the front office’s willingness to adapt on the fly.