Celtics Rumors: Latest on Potential Trades for Boston as Deadline Approaches

The Boston Celtics are one of the more intriguing teams to watch with the Feb. 21 trading deadline drawing near.

Because they have lost Rajon Rondo and Jared Sullinger for the season (and potentially Leandro Barbosa as well), the C’s seem to need to either restock or blow things up, but they have somehow won seven of their last eight contests and look like a real contender.

Whether they plan to add players via free agency or trade remains to be seen, but let’s take a look at the latest buzz surrounding the franchise in Wednesday’s rumor roundup.

DeJuan Blair

The San Antonio Spurs are looking to get some value from their underutilized big man before the deadline and have recently reportedly offered him up to the Detroit Pistons without hearing anything back.

However, ESPN’s Chris Broussard notes that the Celtics may have some interest in the undersized PF/C, which makes sense considering Sullinger’s back problems.

Blair has appeared in 39 games during the 2012-13 campaign, averaging a respectable 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in just 13.7 minutes of play.

There is a history of knee troubles here, so GM Danny Ainge needs to exercise caution and be sure not to overpay for Blair’s services in the case another unfortunate injury strikes this franchise.

Eric Bledsoe

After a flurry of rumors last week concerning Kevin Garnett to the Los Angeles Clippers, things have significantly cooled.

According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Clips are going to continue to search for new trade partners as it seems that Boston is no longer interested in jettisoning Paul Pierce or KG to L.A. for a deal involving Bledose, a young upcoming star in the league.

Considering The Big Ticket has a no-trade clause and recently stated that he desires to retire a Celtic, a potential deal seem unlikely at this point.

Bledsoe will be performing in the All-Star Game dunk contest this coming Saturday, and we expect the Clips will be in plenty of discussions concerning his availability. 

Courtney Lee

The C’s are apparently labeling veteran SG Courtney Lee expendable, as NBA analyst Ric Bucher is reporting that the team brass would be willing to swing a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a big man.

Memphis holds a $7.5 million trade exception and is looking for a swingman after jettisoning superstar Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors late last month.

However, it remains to be seen what the Griz would potentially offer up in exchange for Lee’s services outside of cap relief, something the Celtics have no interest in if they are truly trying to contend in 2013.

Unless a third team is involved or some of the more high-profile players get involved, we have a hard time seeing an agreement being struck between these two clubs.