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Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
The Feb. 5 trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the Boston Celtics are expected to be active in seeking out an upgrade at the center position.
Brad Stevens has been linked with interest in both Ivica Zubac and Jaren Jackson Jr. in recent weeks. However, both veteran centers would likely come at a sizeable price point. As such, there’s a chance Stevens could look elsewhere, with younger, cheaper talent at the forefront of his search.
With that in mind, here are three low-cost trade options the Celtics could explore in the hope of adding more talent to the center rotation.
Celtics Option 1: Yves Missi | New Orleans Pelicans
Missi is reportedly disgruntled with the New Orleans Pelicans and is expected to be moved before the trade deadline passes.
“The 21-year-old big man and his camp feel disrespected by the Pelicans for his major decrease in minutes, and tension has formed between the two sides, sources say,” Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints recently reported. “Not only does Missi want an elevated role, but the organization is fielding a ton of interest in him, making him one of the most likely players to be on the move before this year’s trade deadline.”
Missi is on a team-friendly contract, earning $15.6 million throughout his four-year deal. This season, he will pocket $3.3 million. The Celtics have more than enough trade pieces to match such a modest salary. Furthermore, bringing him to Boston would improve the roster without giving up a key rotation player such as Anfernee Simons or Sam Hauser.
Missi has played in 40 games this season, averaging 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 53.3% shooting.
Celtics Option 2: Day’Ron Sharpe | Brooklyn Nets
The Athletic’s Jay King recently suggested a move for Day’Ron Sharpe could be a low-cost addition to the Celtics big-man rotation.
“The Nets might not want to give up a promising young big man, but Sharpe is at least worth a call from Boston,” King wrote. “The 24-year-old has been an advanced stats darling over limited minutes in Brooklyn and has a sky-high offensive rebound rate throughout his career. Though in his fifth NBA season, he just turned 24 a couple of months ago. … He might just be beginning to realize his potential.”
Sharpe is an advanced analytics darling. His all-around numbers highlight a player who could thrive in a larger role. His ability to guard multiple positions, control the glass and score in multiple ways on offense would fit Joe Mazzulla’s system. The only drawback is that Sharpe is 6’10” and doesn’t possess “jump out of the gym” athleticism.
Still, if Boston believes that Sharpe can grow into a true defensive anchor, his $6.25 million yearly salary is easy enough to match in a trade.
Celtics Option 3: Onyeka Okongwu | Atlanta Hawks
Onyeka Okongwu is another 6’10” candidate. He’s a defense-first big man who can anchor a team. According to NBA Insider Evan Sidery of Forbes, Boston has some interest in acquiring Okongwu ahead of the trade deadline.
“The Celtics are shopping Anfernee Simons’ $27.6 million expiring contract for an impact starting center,” Sidery wrote on X. “Boston has inquired on Ivica Zubac, Nic Claxton, Onyeka Okongwu, and Daniel Gafford during trade season.”
Okongwu is certainly the most expensive player on this list, earning $15 million this season. Still, his contract is low enough that it’s still possible to acquire him without gutting the rotation.
Okongwu is also the most proven talent on this list. He’s currently averaging 16.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 48.4% shooting and 36.9% from deep.
So, if Stevens isn’t sold on a high-cost addition but still wants a starting-level big with long-term upside, there are options available to him.
Only time will tell how he chooses to proceed.
Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat for Heavy. He holds bylines for CelticsBlog, USA Today and Yardbarker. Adam also covers the WWE and AEW. He has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor
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