With the calendar firmly in 2026, this season's NBA trade deadline is less than a month away. So far this NBA season, only one trade has gone down, with the Atlanta Hawks trading away Trae Young in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert from the Washington Wizards this week.
The Boston Celtics will be an interesting team to follow given the team's unexpected start to the year. Currently holding a 23-13 record as of Friday afternoon, Boston sits in third place in the Eastern Conference despite losing many rotation players from the prior two seasons. One reason for the success this season has been Jaylen Brown, who has stepped up in the absence of Jayson Tatum.
As the deadline approaches, the Celtics will more than likely be active in the trade market, as Celtics general manager Brad Stevens has made at least one trade at every deadline. Should Boston look to make a move, three players stand out as ideal trade targets.
1. Day'Ron Sharpe, C — Brooklyn Nets
Heading into the season, the biggest weakness on the Celtics roster was the center rotation. While Boston has gotten good minutes from Neemias Queta this season, the room could still use some improvement. Enter Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe.
In his fifth NBA season, Sharpe has been a solid backup center for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 7.5 points and 5.8 rebounds. What makes Sharpe an ideal candidate is that his contract isn't expensive, with Sharpe carrying a $6.2 million salary for the season, per Spotrac. Trading for Sharpe would allow the Celtics to add another big man, while also leaving them room to make a bigger move by adding Sharpe.
Sharpe also holds a $6.2 million club options for the 2026-27 campaign, potentially making him more than a one-off rental.
Trading for Sharpe would be more likely depending on how the Celtics view Queta. If they feel confident in Queta's ability to be a starter in the NBA, a player like Sharpe, who will be used as a backup make more sense. But if Boston wants to add a starting caliber center, then Sharpe wouldn't be the player they'd look for.
2. Malik Monk, SG/PG — Sacramento Kings
Outside of the center position, one area that could be addressed by the Celtics is the guard position. With Anfernee Simons possibly being moved, the Celtics would need another guard. A name to monitor should be Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk.
The veteran guard would be a great fit in Boston, given his three-point prowess and history of thriving as a sixth man. Adding Monk would be tough, given his $18.7 million cap hit this season. To acquire Monk, you would more than likely see the Celtics need a third team to help facilitate it.
By adding Monk, Boston should bolster the guard rotation for the foreseeable future. If the Celtics can add Monk along with another rotation center, the Celtics should be in a good position to become one of the best teams in the NBA when Jayson Tatum returns.
3. Ivica Zubac, C — L.A. Clippers
If the Celtics want to get an immediate starting-caliber center, then Ivica Zubac should be the guy to get. With the Los Angeles Clippers off to a disappointing start, you have to wonder how the team will operate at the trade deadline. Should the Clippers listen to calls on Zubac, the Celtics must make offers for him.
Zubac has been one of the few bright spots for the Clippers this season, averaging 15.3 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. Not only that, Zubac is one of the top defensive centers in the league, earning second-team All-Defense last season and a 107.8 defensive rating last season, the best of any center. Though his defensive rating is down this year, the Clippers team around him isn't great.
Getting Zubac might be pricy, but it seems that the Celtics have shown interest in him already. His addition, along with the potential return of Jayson Tatum, could turn this team into the favorites to emerge from the East, while also setting themselves up for the future. The only two reasons for them not to be interested would be if the price gets too high or if the Clippers don't end up having a fire sale.
Regardless, there's no harm in Stevens at least trying to see if a deal can be hammer out.