Shams' message on what Boston Celtics will do before trade deadline

NBA insider Shams Charania revealed a good bit about the Boston Celtics' trade deadline plans during the December 5 edition of Run It Back -- reporting that the leftover draft picks not dealt away in the Jrue Holiday could lead to a smaller-scale move to improve the second unit.

"The Celtics gave a couple of first round picks in the Jrue Holiday trade but they still have a few left over,” Charania said. “I expect the Celtics to be active in the trade market as we get closer to February, to try to see if they can beef up their bench rotation."

Charania also revealed that depth behind Kristaps Porzingis, whose lengthy injury history has now extended into the 2023-24 season, could be a focus for the front office as they aim to build a contender.

"No Kristaps Porzingis so that was a significant loss in the lineup,” Charania prefaced before saying, "We will see how it comes back but a strained calf, that’s something you want to be careful with given his injury history.”

Boston Celtics predicted to be aggressive during trade deadline

MassLive's Brian Robb took this report from Charania as a sign that Brad Stevens will be "aggressive" during trade season using the Grant Williams TPE and the remainder of the Celtics' war chest of assets.

"Ultimately, Boston has the tools to be creative in the months to come to put the finishing touches on their roster," Robb prefaced before saying, "They already have an open roster spot available along with a Grant Williams TPE worth $6.2 million. With a bevy of leftover draft picks also still in the team’s chest of assets, look for Stevens to be aggressive in trying to create a well-rounded roster that can withstand an injury or two as trade season kicks off on December 15th."

As they should.

With Boston eliminated from the In-Season Tournament's quarterfinals round with an MVP effort from Tyrese Haliburton and an even more painful Aaron Nesmith breakout in the fourth quarter, winning Banner 18 is more of an imperative. The Indiana Pacers are a look into the future of the Eastern Conference, and if Boston suffers even one major injury, they're clearly not prepared to handle that future in the present.

If Stevens and Co. choose to stand pat at the deadline, the Celtics are rolling the dice on the planets aligning perfectly to facilitate a title. That's a lot of luck to rely on for the Houdini's liking.