Brad Stevens will have three choices when the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches. He can either position the Boston Celtics as buyers, sellers or choose to stand pat and bank on internal development. Each approach has its pros and cons; however, with the current roster, Boston is likely viewed as a selling team. Nevertheless, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix would prefer Stevens be aggressive in retooling the rotation. During an appearance on CLNS Media’s “The Garden Report,” Mannix suggested Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen as an ideal trade target for the Celtics. “I think this team is in an interesting position before the trade deadline,” Mannix said. “Because I would like to see this team be aggressive. I want them to be buyers. I know there’s Anfernee Simons and you got his contract, and the tax…But if you can find someone who makes sense, not for this team, I’m talking about next year, for 2026-27…I mean, a guy like (Lauri Markkanen), I would take him in a hot minute. That is (Kristaps) Porzingis, but younger and probably better.” Acquiring Markkanen would not be an easy task. He’s in the first year of a four-year, $195.8 million contract. Furthermore, he’s the Jazz’s star player. Danny Ainge wouldn’t let him go for pennies on the dollar. Instead, as Celtics fans know all too well, Boston would be held to paying a premium, and when trading with Ainge, there’s always a risk you get the worst end of the deal. Story continues below advertisement When looking at Boston’s cap situation, it would likely take a Jaylen Brown-centered package to entice Ainge into having a conversation regarding Markkanen. It’s unlikely Ainge would want a deal built around Anfernee Simons’ expiring deal and filler contracts to make the money work. Still, there’s no doubt that Markkanen would be an ideal addition to Mazzulla’s roster. He brings size (7-foot), skill, and can score across all three levels. Pairing him with Jayson Tatum would give the Celtics a fearsome pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop duo for the coming years. Markkanen has played in eight games to start the season. He’s averaging 30.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and two assists, shooting 46.6% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range. But, as good as he is, and as great as his fit could be, the path to prying him out of Salt Lake City is one that Stevens will likely choose to avoid. Story continues below advertisement