Celtics weigh internal growth vs external help after Tatum injury

With All-Star forward Jayson Tatum sidelined by a torn Achilles sustained in the playoffs, the Boston Celtics enter the 2025-26 season facing a reshaped roster, major salary constraints and urgent questions about who will anchor the frontcourt. The team has shed expensive veterans this summer to ease luxury tax pressure, but the resulting overhaul has left Boston scrambling to stabilize rotations, develop young players and remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.

The offseason departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Al Horford have thinned proven frontcourt options, prompting a debate over whether the club should pursue an external solution or lean on internal development. FanSided writer Jack Simone pointed to Brooklyn’s DayRon Sharpe as a realistic trade target, noting the 23-year-old center averaged 7.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per game last season and earns roughly $6.3 million, making him a manageable salary match. Spotrac’s Keith Smith has similarly flagged Sharpe’s increased tradeability and his league-leading offensive rebounding rates as attractive traits for a team seeking energy and floor-spacing.

Not everyone believes an outside move is...