I don’t find it impossible Marcus is traded, but I also don’t find it terribly likely. A lot will depend how this season finishes out, of course. If this hot streak ends and we tumble back to the 7th or 8th spot, despite being healthy, maybe Smart is moved (although I think Jaylen would be the top candidate because he can bring more in return). But if they finish on this pace and get to the 2nd round or better, I don’t anticipate a rotation player being moved outside of maybe Al.
Next year the Celtics have their entire top 8 currently under contract, with only Al being partially non-guaranteed. If they come to an agreement with Horford where he’s released and resigned at a lower number (say $4 million a year for 3 years, which brings him back to the $26.5 million he’s owed next season), they’ll be under the tax with their top 8 in tact and 10 players under contract. Their biggest need is a wing shooter. They also have a $17.1 million TPE. Assuming a positive finish this year, I think ownership will be willing to spend a little into the tax, because this deadline was full of moves that added long-term salary. I don’t think Stevens/Zarren add someone like Theis at the deadline if they’ve been told that the luxury tax is off the table next year. And so I think a) they will finish the year strong and b) use the TPE to add a wing shooter to the current core, and wind up $7-10 million over the tax line.