This offseason, the Boston Celtics restructured their roster with a championship in mind. They had reached the conference finals five times in the previous seven years, but needed assistance to advance. Boston acquired Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in exchange for the best top-six in the NBA. They won 16 of their first 21 games and appeared to be a title contender, but they may be missing one element.

The Celtics’ depth could be an issue in the playoffs. Sam Hauser is the team’s seventh man, and he struggled to obtain minutes in the 2023 playoffs. Payton Pritchard had the first shot at the role but was unable to secure it. Al Horford has transitioned well to the bench, but the Celtics may need to trade for their final piece.

The 15th of December is a significant date on the NBA calendar because players who signed in the offseason became tradeable. It expands the alternatives for each club, and Boston should make a decision on these five soon-to-be-available options.

5. Dennis Smith Jr.

Before the Feb. 8 trade deadline, the Nets must make a decision. They had a 12-10 record to start the season, however they are now ninth in the Eastern Conference. No team wants to be in the Play-In Tournament, so do they strengthen their lineup in the hopes of cracking the top six? If not, does Brooklyn barter a few items?

Mikal Bridges is fantastic, but without a superstar, the Nets will not be a credible title contender. Will they try to sign one following the Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving saga in Brooklyn? Sean Marks and the front office face numerous difficult decisions.

Dennis Smith Jr. resurrected his NBA career in Charlotte last season and is now a key player for the Nets. The Celtics need a backup point guard, and DSJ has more defense and size than Pritchard. He signed a one-year contract in the offseason, so if the Nets opt to sell, Boston may be able to obtain him at a discount.

4. Torrey Craig

The Bulls are likely to begin a rebuilding process before the trade deadline. The spotlight will be on Zach LaVine, but Chicago will have multiple players on the market. DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and Patrick Williams might all command high prices, but the Celtics may try to get a bench wing.

Craig has played in the playoffs for five years in a row, and his club has always gotten past the first round. The 6’7 wing is a reliable role player who can defend several spots and hit open shots. Craig’s jumper is erratic, but he has made 39.2 percent of his previous 319 3-point tries.

The Celtics recruited several wings in the offseason, including Oshae Brissett, Dalano Banton, and Svi Mykhailiuk, but none have established themselves in the starting lineup. Sam Hauser averages 22.8 minutes per game, but how will his defense fare in the playoffs? If Boston does not believe he is the answer, they should look for a replacement before February 8.

Torrey Craig is a veteran with 75 playoff games under his belt who is still looking for his first championship. He has the potential to be a dynamic bench option for the Celtics. In the postseason, Boston requires someone to play off the bench. Craig is not a showy role player, but he is a reliable option.

3. Jevon Carter

The Celtics boast the NBA’s finest defensive backcourt. Jrue Holiday has been named to five All-Defensive teams, including first-team honors for the third time in 2023. Last season, Derrick White was named second-team All-Defense. They may be the league’s two best defensive guards, but Boston has nowhere to turn when either needs a break.

Carter is a tough defender who averaged more than three thefts per game in his last NCAA season. He’ll struggle through screens to stay connected to his man. The 6’1 guard can defend on the ball, but his size limits his ability to transition to larger opponents.

The 28-year-old has a career 3-point percentage of 39.4 percent. He’ll make a few plays and sink open shots. Pritchard is the stronger offensive option, but Carter would bring defensive depth. Boston needs to get stops in the postseason, according to head coach Joe Mazzullo.

In the offseason, the Bulls signed Jevon Carter to a three-year, $19.5 million contract, which is a hefty money for Boston to acquire. When Jaylen Brown’s contract extension becomes effective next season, they will be over the second tax apron. Are they willing to pay more for a consistent bench option? Brad Stevens must persuade ownership that Carter is an important element going ahead.

2. Lonnie Walker IV

Walker IV had his greatest season in Brooklyn before suffering a hamstring injury that kept him out for several weeks. The Nets signed the 6’4 guard to a one-year contract this summer after he struggled with the Lakers in the 2023 playoffs. Walker was brought in as bench depth but quickly established himself as a crucial shot-maker.

In his first 17 games, the 24-year-old averaged 14.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 46.3 percent from 3-point range. In his first five NBA seasons, his jumper has been erratic, so any improvement there would be huge.

Is Brooklyn willing to give him a sizable increase this offseason? If the response is no, they should try to find another job for him before the deadline. Teams will undoubtedly be interested in a 6’4 wing who can shoot the lights out, and the Nets may be able to get a good price.

Lonnie Walker IV is a better athlete and scorer than Sam Hauser. In the playoffs, the two might become their two reliable bench wings. Boston may need a little more ball-handling and playmaking to win it all, but Walker IV’s scoring could be crucial in a few postseason games.

1. Gabe Vincent

Vincent has only played four games for the Lakers due to a knee injury, but he is close to returning (subscription required). After helping the Heat reach the NBA Finals in 2023, the 6’3 guard inked a three-year, $33 million contract in the offseason. The Lakers hoped he could play a big role, but he could be traded if they can land a third star.

Rebuilding teams will not want Vincent, perhaps opening the door for the Celtics or another contender. To match his contract, Boston would have to give up numerous players, but it may be worth it, especially if someone earning less than the non-taxpayer mid-level becomes available through the buyout market.

Last season, Vincent averaged 15.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists against the Celtics in the conference finals. They know what he’s capable of and have seen him improve in the postseason. If he becomes available, that could be enough for Boston to try to get involved.

The Boston Celtics are betting everything on capturing the title in 2024. Expect them to look at trades before the Feb. 8 deadline and make a move if they believe it will improve their roster. Keep an eye out to see what the front office can pull off.