The NBA trade deadline is just over 24 hours away, and while there is more buzz than there has been in the last two days we are still waiting to hear about moves that would significantly help the teams involved. The Boston Celtics, for example, are said to have joined the hunt for Josh Smith, but the primary piece that would have to head back to Atlanta is rumored to be Paul Pierce. The Celtics don’t want to part with Pierce, but let’s say they did. Which team is better as a result of the move? Neither.

Indeed, Boston has been one of the more active teams in talks, but team president Danny Ainge recently told the Boston Herald that he’s not overly interested in giving up any primary pieces. “I’m not looking to give up any of our players,” Ainge said. “We have a limited roster, and it’s a matter of is it a better fit? Is there a better position need? I don’t really think that there are. So it’s just if we can improve our team. At the same time, I’m not giving Jared Sullinger away just because he’s hurt. It’s a challenge. I’m not trading Rajon Rondo away for discounted dollars because he’s hurt. As an organization we’ve decided not to do that.”

If the Celtics aren’t interested in moving any of their primary pieces it’s difficult to see how they could come out ahead after the deadline, meaning last year’s approach of keeping the older team together and seeing what they can do in postseason play might again be the best approach.

— Bill Ingram