Celtics and Nets Have Reportedly Discussed Paul Pierce Trade

The Boston Celtics have been firmly entrenched in trade rumors for the past few weeks, and the most recent centers around Paul Pierce, Kris Humphries and the Brooklyn Nets.

Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski has the news:

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The Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets have discussed a trade for Celtics star Paul Pierce, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Nets' offer centered on forward Kris Humphries, guard MarShon Brooks and a first-round draft pick, but the Celtics want a more substantial package to consider moving Pierce, league sources said.

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Let's take a closer look at this newest development. 

What It Means for the Nets

It isn't exactly surprising that these talks took place. 

Neither Humphries nor Brooks have a major role in Brooklyn's rotation, but they are still valuable pieces that could attract interest. Shopping them for a solid return makes sense with the trade deadline quickly approaching. 

Pierce, of course, would serve as a dynamite return.

The veteran is averaging 18.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals per contest this season, and would immediately make the fourth-place Nets an incredibly dangerous contender. 

Humphries is under contract for one more season, while Brooks, who has proved he can score in bunches, is a cheap option until 2015-16. 

This trade would suggest a win-now approach by the Nets. 

What It Means for the Celtics

On this front, likely nothing. 

Pierce is not only an All-Star-caliber player, but he is also a lifetime Celtic who means a great deal to his city. Despite his age, it's going to take more than the Nets' proposed deal to lure him away from Boston. 

Moreover, if the Celtics trade Pierce, it likely means that they are entering rebuild mode, so it wouldn't make much sense to ship off the small forward but hold onto Kevin Garnett. 

Unless the Nets increase their offer, don't expect anything to come of this.

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