The Boston Celtics will always be the team to beat in NBA trade rumors. They are the most equipped and arguably the most aggressive.
Other teams like the LA Lakers may have waned off the trade rumors because of their good start (although they have been losing lately). The Boston Celtics stumbled at the gate, partly because of the injury to Al Horford. Upon his return, the Celtics have performed as one of the better teams in the East-but that's not their goal.
Three verified superstars who are just below the "untouchable" category are being tagged as Boston Celtics targets. While the rumors would like to perceive Danny Ainge as just shooting relentlessly until he gets to hit anyone, it's more likely that the Celtics have a team structure in place.
For one thing, they are not "Star-less" anymore since they have Al Horford. Isaiah Thomas may have played his way to secure his spot. If the Celtics make a trade, it might be for someone who can play alongside these two.
Klay Thompson knows how to play behind a superstar-but now he's playing behind two, not to mention Draymond Green. A fitting role would be as co-superstar with Horford. He would also thrive in kick-out passes from Thomas' penetrations.
The rumors about the Thompson trade was chronicled in NESN-from Brian Scalabrine unintentionally spreading (and thus giving credence) to the baseless rumor to Warriors coach Steve Kerr dismissing at BS.
Still, Thompson would be a fit in Boston-with Horford, Thomas and Coach Brad Stevens. The Boston Celtics would trade for him but the Warriors have no interest in trading the present for the future (since the best assets of the Celtics are the Brooklyn Nets' picks).
It seems ironic that while DeMarcus Cousins is becoming more available, the more that the Celtics seem to be distancing themselves from him. Zach Lowe of ESPN practically dismissed the persistent rumor in his podcast (h/t Mass Live) citing Brad Stevens' influence on team decision making.
"I don't think Brad Stevens wants to touch DeMarcus Cousins with a 10-foot pole. And that carries a lot of weight there. Not only that, they just signed a center. And they think Al Horford is a center, and will play more center as pieces come and go in Boston. And so I don't know what that does to Boston's hunger to acquire a superstar big man who is going to be a locker room question mark."
Thus, among the three stars mentioned, it seems like Paul George is the most likely trade target. George is on a team that is not performing well but not bad enough to tank. George also refused to sign an extension with the Pacers which can be taken in many ways, but it may also hint that he's not sold on the general direction of the team.
Finally, the Larry Bird-Danny Ainge connection should not be understated. They will not trade just because of their friendship as they are two of the smartest executives in the league, but the fact remains: the Celtics have the tools to help the Pacers rebuild if they decide to do so.