The Vertical Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks, a 20-year executive with the Nets, breaks down the Boston Celtics’ situation as the Feb. 18 trade deadline approaches.

HANG UP IF THEY ASK ABOUT …

2018 Brooklyn first-round pick

The reality is that it could take Brooklyn a few years to get back into playoff contention. Similar to the 2016 first-round pick the Celtics own from the Nets, a future unprotected first is a gold ticket to land an impact player, either in the draft or through a trade.





UP FOR DEBATE

2016 Brooklyn first-round pick

The Celtics should hang up unless they can land a top-10 player under contract for the next few years. Other than that, it would be best to hold onto this pick until after the draft lottery in May. It may be a below-average draft, but the pick will likely be in the top six, with a chance of being No. 1.





View photos Celtics such as Marcus Smart have value. (AP) More

Future Memphis first-round pick

Boston will have the Grizzlies’ pick, likely starting in 2019. Obtained in the Jeff Green trade last year, the pick has light lottery protection that could turn into a 2021 unprotected first. With the core of the Grizzlies getting older, this pick becomes even more valuable as time goes on.



WORTH TAKING THE CALL

The entire team

If you are not Golden State or San Antonio, no player is untouchable. Boston has put together a strong and deep nucleus, but it is stuck in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference playoff race.





Every player on the roster has some type of value around the league. With a combination of expiring contracts, non-guaranteed contracts, below-market salaries and young players, the Celtics have done a great job setting up flexibility for now and in the future.

NO-TRADE CLAUSE OR WITH A RESTRICTION

David Lee

Lee, who was acquired from Golden State, cannot be traded back to the Warriors during the 2015-16 season.





MOVE THAT PUSHES THE NEEDLE

Boston is one of few teams that can change the direction of the Eastern Conference.



Armed with an arsenal of draft assets and young players, can the Celtics push their chips to the middle to acquire an impact All-Star?

The biggest need for the Celtics is a go-to player down the stretch.

TREASURE CHEST OF PICKS

Burning a hole in Danny Ainge’s pocket

The Celtics have their own first-round pick, projected to be in the early 20s.





View photos Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has plenty of draft picks at his disposal. (AP) More

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