The NBA trade rumors would not be complete without Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics.
This trade deadline could end up with a blockbuster for "Trader Danny" as their main trade asset (Brooklyn Nets pick swap) is likely to gain maximum value. This is the main reason why they have been linked to the New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony, a (former) All-Star and league scoring leader.
However, those rumors may be quashed by a "Woj-bomb" as Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical wrote.
"Boston's shown minimal interest in Anthony, preferring to continue its pursuit of persuading Chicago (Jimmy Butler) and Indiana (Paul George) to engage in trade talks that involve two younger, more well-rounded stars."
While most pundits would applaud the Celtics on that path, the question is whether those two superstars are available. Jimmy Butler has been in and out of the NBA trade rumor mill and with the recent revelation that there was a "conspiracy" by Bulls management against him, that's just about as valid a reason to leave an organization as any.
While those rumors remain unconfirmed, rifts between the Bulls management and their star players are not at all new. Even the greatest player, Michael Jordan had public spats with Jerry Krause, the GM at the time.
The Boston Celtics have been close to sealing a deal for Jimmy Butler even during last year's draft, as NESN recalled. "Butler has been linked to the Celtics for a while, especially at the draft last year when Boston held the No. 3 overall pick."
Now that the Celtics have a chance to finish at the top three again in a loaded draft filled with talented guards like Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Dennis Smith and Malik Monk among others, the Bulls could easily rebuild and grab their guard for the future, along with other assets that the Celtics could toss.
For this same reason, Paul George is "an interesting name for the Celtics." The Pacers are also looking for guard options and may come to realize that if they don't make a move, they could be stuck in the middle. They are always likely to make the playoffs with George around but they do not have enough support to make it past the first round.
If they do trade George, they still keep promising big man Myles Turner and pair him with the top draft pick they might get, along with other young talents that Boston could send.
There's bound to be an interesting conversation between ex-teammates Ainge and Larry Bird in the weeks to follow.