Sources: Celtics Could Make Noise Using Buy-Out Players

One thing that's been noticeable leading up to the trade deadline is that the powerhouse Celtics have been quiet.

It's like they're a tiger waiting to pounce on an innocent animal. They've got something up their sleeve.

The only question is: What is it?

With very few trade assets, the Celtics may not have much to do with the trade deadline, trade-wise.

Players like Avery Bradley, Nate Robinson, Marquis Daniels, Semih Erden and Luke Harangody have consistently come up in trade talks, but everything has been dissolved.

There are also the expiring contracts of Glen Davis, Delonte West and Von Wafer.

Picks are also a popular item, but with the Celtics likely to end their season deep in the playoffs, their first-round pick would be in the mid-20's, at best.

They've been in talks with numerous teams for players. Rumor has it they want Shane Battier more than any other team. Josh Howard is also rumored to be looking for a team.

Also, according to reports, the Celtics have expressed interest in the Suns' Jared Dudley, Mikael Pietrus and Grant Hill.

Nate Robinson has been rumored to be traded to the Warriors, but they have quickly been shot down. It was not known as to who the Celtics would get, however.

I seriously doubt that they would get rid of "Big Baby," as he is one of the few healthy frontcourt players they have.

Von Wafer has added too much off the bench lately and with an expiring contract at about $900,000, it is unlikely that he will be moved.

So, with all of this being said, the Celtics seem to be unlikely to make a trade.

But they could make some noise elsewhere and that is via buyout.

There are plenty of rumors going around that a few players will be bought out.

So we're going to play the "What if" game and see which players, if bought out, would help the Celtics make a championship run.

Big men, such as Troy Murphy, Dan Gadzuric and Leon Powe are rumored to be bought out. Eddy Curry has already been taken off the books.

With the O'Neal's, Jermaine and Shaquille, out right now, the Celtics are in dire need of a big man. Kendrick Perkins went down with an injury, so that makes it urgent that they find a frontcourt player.

Murphy is the most likely to go to Boston, as he said he would either want to don a green uniform or go to the Heat or Magic.

Murphy is one of few players in the league that can average a double-double on any given night and would fit in well with head coach Doc Rivers' system. I wouldn't doubt seeing Murphy in Beantown, especially since it's almost guaranteed that he will not wear a Warriors uniform again.

Leon Powe could also make a return to Boston, as his post-Celtics career has been anything but spectacular.

However, it would seem unlikely that the Celtics would bring in Powe, as he is pretty much another version of Glen Davis.

They need an actual big man, someone like Troy Murphy.

The Celtics are also in desperate need of a wing man, someone that could shoot the ball well and would fit the mold of another Ray Allen.

Rasual Butler, Morris Peterson, Anthony Parker, Jason Kapono and Richard Hamilton are among some of the backcourt players rumored to be bought out at some point. Mike Miller is currently on the trade block, but it seems unlikely that the Celtics would acquire him unless a multi-team deal gets worked out.

Butler and Hamilton seem to be the most viable options.

Butler, a 36 percent career three-point shooter, has rarely played this season for the Clippers and is sitting at the end of the bench. He's played in 39 games, but has only started two of those, even though the Clippers have had a steady problem at small forward throughout the season.

The La Salle graduate has made over one hundred three-pointers three times in his career, despite never getting an increased amount of playing time. Between 2008-10, Butler made 285 three-pointers while playing approximately 32.5 minutes per game.

With his time in Los Angeles coming to an end, Boston would be a good fit for the Celtics as a very competent wingman to the league's all-time three-point leader, Ray Allen.

Butler would also be able to chase a ring after playing for the Heat, Hornets and Clippers.

Hamilton seems to be one of the best options to go to Boston after playing in just 35 games this season, while starting only 24 of those.

Once known as the "Next Reggie Miller," Hamilton has seen his points-per-game drop every season for the last three years. He is also averaging just 13.3 points per game, his lowest output since rookie season.

Hamilton seems to be the most likely to go to the Celtics, if bought out.

They have also coveted Anthony Parker thus far into the season. However, the Cavaliers are unwilling to buy him out and want to trade him, but the Celtics are reluctant to trade Erden for the sharp-shooting Parker.

Pacers forward James Posey was rumored to get bought out by the Pacers and return to the Celtics, but those rumors were quickly shot down.

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reported on his Twitter, "Pacers will not buyout James Posey, source says. Scratch him off the list of potential free agent pickups for contenders."

The Celtics, of course, would have to buy out or trade some of their players to make room for new acquisitions.

Footnote:

Players that are rumored to be/have been bought out: Richard Hamilton, Troy Murphy, Rasual Butler, Jamario Moon, T.J. Ford, Dan Gadzuric, Eddy Curry and Leon Powe