NBA Trade Rumors: Boston Celtics and Teams Desperate to Make Moves

The NBA trade deadline is steadily approaching, and time is running out for the many teams that are absolutely desperate to make moves.

Teams like the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic all have different reasons for their desperation, but each knows that a move at this deadline could make or break their team this season and for years to come.

Here are the five teams most desperate to improve their teams by Thursday's trade deadline and why they want to change things up so badly.

Boston Celtics

With a rapidly aging core and just a single young superstar, the Boston Celtics are the most desperate team in the NBA to make a move this week.

The "big three" of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen is now collectively over the hill as far as age goes. While each can still contribute, none of the three is a bona fide superstar any longer.

Rajon Rondo continues to keep the Celtics afloat in the East with his good, and sometimes great, point guard play. Unfortunately for the Celtics, Rondo is their only trade piece.

Reports are out there that the Celtics are willing to part with Paul Pierce, who has been with them for decade.

If that's the case, the Celtics could be desperate enough to part with all of their core in order to build for the future of the franchise.

Los Angeles Lakers

It is interesting that the two most storied franchises in NBA history are two of the most desperate ones for trades this season.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been in the news for rumored trades so much that coach Mike Brown's son asked him when the deadline would be passed. Brown echoed his sentiment that he was ready for it to be done with.

However, there is good reason for the trade speculation. Right now, the Lakers are right in the middle of the playoff pack in the Western Conference, leading the Pacific Division by a slim margin over Chris Paul's Los Angeles Clippers.

But while they are good enough to take down their division, but probably aren't good enough to win a championship. As everyone who is familiar with Kobe Bryant knows, that is what it is all about.

The Lakers have just three players in Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum that they can count on for consistent contributions. Outside of those three, however, the team is a far cry from a contender. 

Orlando Magic

It has been well publicized why the Orlando Magic are desperate for a trade deadline move. The reason is Dwight Howard.

Howard is clearly the best center in the game, and he knows it. He's playing well right now, but he's made it clear that he has major doubts about whether Orlando is the right place to play out the rest of his career.

There is plenty of interest in Howard around the league, but Orlando still hasn't found a deal that suits its fancy. Magic GM Otis Smith said recently that there was a "50/50 chance" that the Magic would keep him for the remainder of the season.

While the Magic are busy finding a destination for Howard, the could be just as concerned with finding the pieces to convince him to stay. Either way, you can bet the Magic will be one of the more active teams this week.

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are desperate for a star.

A team with many solid players, but none with potential for greatness, the Rockets have been trying to get that next-level player since the league squashed a three-team deal that would have given Houston Pau Gasol. 

Apparently, the interest for Gasol is still there. The Rockets are also reportedly in the market for Dwight Howard.

It is a bit of a mystery as to why this team is this desperate to make a move, when such trades would require them to give up sacrifice a talented core of players. 

Whether it's to sell tickets or because management thinks it's the way to win, it is what the Rockets want and some contender will gladly raid their depth chart this week.

Portland Trailblazers

After starting the lockout-shortened NBA season very hot, the Portland Trailblazers have cooled considerably and are now outside of the Western playoff picture. 

Rumor has it that Portland is in the market to shake up their roster, with valuable trade assets like Raymond Felton and Jamal Crawford.

Both players were added within the last year and neither have had the impact the team would have liked. Felton would be an upgrade at point guard for several teams, and Crawford is one of the best sixth men in the league.

Reportedly, the Blazers are interested in Steve Nash if they can get him. It seems like a drastic move for a young team to go after an aging star who is going to be a free agent in just a few months, especially when that player would completely change the dynamic on offense.

Their willingness to even pursue such a deal proves just how desperate they are.