Cleveland Cavaliers Should Consider Trade for Brooklyn Nets’ Day’Ron Sharpe to Address Big Man Depth

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been firing on all cylinders this season, boasting the best record in the NBA over the first two months of the campaign. With star players like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland leading the charge, Cleveland’s overall play has been impressive. But despite their strong start, there’s a significant issue that could quickly become problematic if not addressed: big man depth.

Big Man Depth: A Growing Concern for the Cavs

As strong as Cleveland’s frontcourt looks with All-Star center Jarrett Allen and young stud Evan Mobley, the team doesn’t have much behind them. Tristan Thompson, an aging veteran, represents the third option in the frontcourt rotation — a player who hasn’t been a consistent contributor in recent years.

The Cavaliers’ big man depth is a ticking time bomb. While Allen and Mobley are two of the most talented young bigs in the league, neither has had a spotless injury record during their careers. If one of them were to go down, the Cavs would be relying on Thompson, who hasn’t played significant minutes in over a season. This presents a serious risk for a team with championship aspirations, and general manager Koby Altman should be considering all options to shore up the depth behind their two key bigs.

A Potential Target: Day’Ron Sharpe from the Brooklyn Nets

One intriguing option for the Cavaliers is Brooklyn Nets forward/center Day’Ron Sharpe. The 23-year-old has shown flashes of potential in his four NBA seasons but has been largely underutilized in Brooklyn. Sharpe’s rebounding ability is perhaps his most enticing attribute, making him a potential upgrade for Cleveland’s second unit.

Josh Cornelissen of King James Gospel pointed out Sharpe’s considerable rebounding prowess, noting that his career rebound percentage of 22% would actually lead the Cavaliers by several percentage points. The Cavs have been solid on the boards, but adding someone like Sharpe could bring a new level of energy and depth, especially when Allen and Mobley are resting or, in the worst-case scenario, dealing with injury.

Sharpe has played in just 10 games this season, averaging 6.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in only 15 minutes per game, shooting 40.4% from the field. While his numbers don’t jump off the page, his efficiency (55.1% shooting from the floor in his career) and relentless motor make him a promising asset. His hustle and rebounding ability would fit seamlessly with Cleveland’s gritty, defense-first mentality.

A Low-Cost Insurance Option

What makes Sharpe even more appealing for Cleveland is that he is slated to hit free agency after the season. Brooklyn may have no real incentive to retain him if they don’t see him as part of their long-term future, making him a prime candidate to be moved before the February trade deadline. For Cleveland, this presents an opportunity to acquire a young, high-energy big at a relatively low cost.

Sharpe would not command a significant trade package. The Cavaliers could likely part with a bench player or a low-level draft pick, giving them an affordable way to strengthen their depth without breaking the bank. Adding Sharpe would provide immediate insurance behind Allen and Mobley and could also offer a valuable asset in the event of an injury or if Thompson’s minutes need to be reduced as the season progresses.

Should Cleveland Make the Move?

With the Cavaliers in contention for a top playoff spot, addressing their big man depth is crucial. Adding Sharpe would not only solidify their frontcourt depth but also give them a player with a strong rebounding presence, which could be invaluable when facing teams with dominant big men or in the grind of a playoff series.

While Sharpe may not be a star, his potential as a rebounder and hustle player makes him an intriguing target for Cleveland, especially at the price point they would likely pay. He’s young, has untapped potential, and could step in to contribute right away — something the Cavs could certainly use if they’re serious about competing for a championship this season.

In the end, this trade would be a low-risk, high-reward move for Cleveland, adding depth, insurance, and an energetic player to their playoff-contending roster. As the trade deadline nears, expect the Cavaliers to consider all options, and Day’Ron Sharpe could be just the type of player they need to elevate their chances.