I think Mannix is trying to prepare the tankalicious crowd for the surprise of their lives when the trade deadline comes and goes and the team is constructed exactly the way it is right now.
Danny Ainge does not make trades to have an end objective of losing games in the here and now. He won't do it. He makes trades to win for other objectives like long term assets, lower salary and better talent. He doesn't trade to lose games. If he wanted that he would simply tell Stevens to sit Rondo, Bradley, Sullinger, Bass and Green for the rest of the year and play everyone else.
No, the trade deadline is probably going to be very quiet in Boston and I think some of those in the know are just trying to let those who believe tank management is going to happen know that tank management isn't going to happen.
I understand this stance and will be surprised to see a "fire sale", but I would be even more surprised to see the deadline pass and not a single move is made.
If Charlotte calls and proposes something like this,
Ben Gordon, Brandon Haywood, 2014 POR first rounder
for
Brandon Bass and Jeff Green
I think Ainge would strongly consider it because he grabs a first rounder, shaves $17mill off the payroll for each of the next two seasons, and improves his lottery position.