With the NBA trade deadline scheduled to end Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets have been rumored to be in trade discussion for Celtics star Paul Pierce, according to Yahoo! Sports.
"The Celtics still highly value Pierce and it wouldn't make sense to trade him for that kind of a package if they're keeping Kevin Garnett," one league source said.
The Nets' have shown willingness to deal a package deal of forward Kris Humphries, guard MarShon Brooks and a first-round draft pick, but the Celtics want a more substantial package for Pierce.
The Celtics have shown interest in forward Mirza Teletovic and securing another possible first-round pick, but the Nets have shown no interest to pay that big of a risk for Pierce.
This isn't the first time the Nets and Celtics have discussed a deal for Pierce as evident to the 2012 trade deadline, but the Celtics decided to keep him for another playoff run. Pierce, 35, is averaging 18 points for the Celtics this season, shooting a career worst from the field-41 percent-in the past eight seasons.
The Celtics have also been rumored to be in trade talks with the Los Angeles Clippers for center Kevin Garnett.
The Celtics have been eager to continue the conversation on the deal, but league sources said the talks will remain dormant unless Clippers star Chris Paul pushes the issue with management.
Also according to Yahoo! Sports, if the Celtics trade Garnett before the deadline, they would move Pierce, too, sources said. For the Celtics, the chance to get Eric Bledsoe and Jordan could be a prelude to trying to package Pierce in a possible deal to the Atlanta Hawks for Josh Smith, sources said.
