Dec. 15 is a date to know on the NBA calendar. It represents the unofficial start of trade season. That's because it's when players who signed new contracts in the offseason become trade-eligible. The exception is if it hasn't been three months since they agreed to that deal.
For the Boston Celtics, that means keeping an eye on Day'Ron Sharpe. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, they reportedly expressed interest in signing the six-foot-10 center in free agency.
"The Celtics would've been limited to only a minimum offer for Sharpe, but were prepared to offer a chance to compete for the starting center spot this season," reported Scotto.
Instead, he returned to the Brooklyn Nets on a two-year, $12.5 million contract. He is on the books for $6.3 million this season and next, with a club option for the latter.
When Dec. 15 arrives, what to do with that team option could suddenly become someone else's decision.
Should the Celtics trade for Day'Ron Sharpe?
Neemias Queta is blossoming as Boston's starting center. He has a 16.1 net rating, the highest on the team, per NBA.com. He's thriving as a pick-and-roll partner, setting phenomenal screens to spur productive possessions. At the other end of the floor, opponents are shooting 9.6 percent worse around the rim when the athletic seven-footer is there to protect the cylinder, per databallr.com.
However, when Queta's off the floor, the Celtics are relying on small-ball lineups. Deploying Josh Minott at center is working well. Still, they could use a more traditional option to bring off the bench. That is especially true come playoff time.
Sharpe is averaging 7.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and nearly 2.0 assists per contest this season. That production is while coming off the bench and logging 16.2 minutes per appearance.
At 24 years old, the former first-round pick would fit right in with one of the NBA's most encouraging youth movements. Plus, the Nets, owners of one of the worst records in the league at 6-17, likely wouldn't need much to sign off on a trade.
Boston, which has three second-round picks in this year's draft, has the capital to facilitate a deal. The Celtics could also absorb Sharpe's salary by utilizing a portion of their colossal $22.5 million traded player exception, which they created in the move that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks.
It's an intriguing option that the franchise can soon actively pursue; a compelling reason not to would be if the organization is chasing a more prominent target.