Celtics' Blueprint for 2024 NBA Trade Deadline

The Boston Celtics don't need to be active ahead of the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline.

They might do it anyway.

They have a top six as strong as any in the Association, but there is a noticeable drop-off after that. Should the front office choose to act this trade season, improving the depth would almost certainly be the focus.

Find the Comfort Level with the Projected Playoff Rotation

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 06: Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics attempts a shot in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 06, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

The Celtics know for sure their aforementioned sextet can shine under basketball's brightest lights.

What they could still have questions about, though, is whether anyone else can hang in a playoff rotation.

Sam Hauser's shot is helpful to have, but is there any worry about opponents exposing him on the defensive end? Is Payton Pritchard playable given his lack of size (6'1", 195 lbs) and athletic limitations? Will teams exploit Luke Kornet's limited mobility away from the basket?

Answering these questions will allow the front office to figure out what—if anything—this roster needs.

Probe for a Cost-Effective Big Wing

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 2: President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics addresses the media during Boston Celtics Media Day at The Auerbach Center on October 2, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)

External opinions may differ on what the Celtics should do at the deadline, but ultimately that decision rests with the front office.

And the person leading that group has a pretty good idea of what it's hoping to find.

"I would like to continue to see how we can find another big wing or so that can help us, and I think that can be from within," president of basketball operations Brad Stevens told reporters. "I also think we'll continue to monitor free agency and trades, but again, the difference in this year and maybe other years is that our tools are pretty limited from a dollars standpoint."

The Celtics have invested plenty in this roster, so there isn't much to spend on the trade market. A bargain-priced big wing who contributes at both ends may not actually exist, but in a dream deadline, that's exactly what this club would find.

Search for Clearance Centers or Ball-Handlers

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BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 13: Payton Pritchard #11 , Al Horford #42 , Sam Hauser #30 , Luke Kornet #40 and Svi Mykhailiuk #50 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on November 13, 2023 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Celtics have a rock-solid foundation in place, but they could still seek improvements along the margins.

Kornet and Neemias Queta have both looked good in reserve roles, but it's still fair to wonder whether they are playoff-ready. And that could be important given Kristaps Porziņģis' injury history, and the fact Al Horford is less than six months away from his 38th birthday.

Pritchard's first season as a full-time member of the rotation has largely impressed. Boston could still be in the market for backcourt depth. A pass-first guard who can hold his own at the point of attack might be able to carve out a niche role on this roster.

None of these needs are great enough for Boston to part with any assets of value, but a cheap move for a role player could help shore up one of this roster's few weak spots.