NBA Trade Rumors: Is Rockets' Shane Battier-to-Celtics Deal in Works?

Want to hear probably the most underrated and quiet trade that is going to pay huge dividends come playoff time?

It’s that Shane Battier may be traded to the Boston Celtics and that they may only have to give up Jermaine O’Neal’s expiring corpse, Avery Bradley and a draft pick to get him. Once the final deal is done, another team and some draft picks will probably be involved in some form or another.

The deal isn't done, but some well-connected sources say the deal could be done very quickly.

Battier is a consummate team guy and does all those little things that help a team win; he would fit in seamlessly with the Celtics. He’s going to be able to help the Celtics bench a great deal and will be able to give Paul Pierce a good breather every night.

This is going to allow the Celtics to potentially to be able to go 10 deep down the stretch once Marquis Daniels gets back—maybe even 11 deep once Delonte West gets back.

By adding Battier the Celtics bench would be Nate Robinson, Von Wafer, Battier, Glen Davis and Shaq.

That five right there could compete for the eighth seed in the East. I don’t know if they could get it, but they would be a strong-minded defensive team that could score the ball.

This trade talk isn’t going to get a whole lot of attention because Shane Battier isn’t a superstar, nor is he one of those guys who is extremely flashy.

One thing is for sure, though—this deal would put Battier in a much better position than Carmelo Anthony when it comes to winning a ring.