Celtics content, but won’t rule anything out

The fast-approaching NBA trade deadline figures to be an interesting game of musical chairs, with teams tracking in two distinct directions. While some are seeking to add ammunition for their playoff runs, others are gathering salary cap space to be players in this summer’s free agent market.

The latter situation could make some intriguing players available to the Celtics [team stats], who opened a roster spot for a reason when they let Lester Hudson go.

“No,” coach Doc Rivers said before last night’s win against the Clippers when asked if he thinks the Celts need to make a move. “I like our team. I would be willing to go into the playoffs exactly the way we are right now. If we can improve, we improve it, and that would be great, too.

“But if we started the playoffs with the 12 guys or whatever number we have and everybody was healthy, I love our team.”

That said, he would not hesitate to make an addition by the Feb. 18 deal deadline.

“No, never,” Rivers said. “Never afraid of that. But having said that, I like our team.”

He’s not lying. But this is also a team that added a point guard each of the past two years, and it’s fair to say the Celtics wouldn’t be averse to acquiring a little guy who can bring the ball up the floor, hit an open jumper and not make Rivers break out in a rash when he goes to the free throw line in the final two minutes of a game.

And if a big guy of decent quality was to get bought out or otherwise become available (e.g., a P.J. Brown type), the Celts would graciously accept such insurance for Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace (68 combined years old) and Kendrick Perkins [stats], who’s too tough to avoid another shoulder problem.

But while there could be talented people falling from the NBA sky, the Celtics won’t be the only ones trying to make a fair catch. The Cavaliers reportedly are trying to get something worked out for Phoenix’ Amare Stoudemire, and Orlando is said to be a presence in the marketplace as well. Atlanta already has made a major pickup in Jamal Crawford, though no one expected him to have this big an impact.

The better teams obviously are looking to do something that will separate them from a powerful pack.

“Let’s pray Cleveland doesn’t get everybody that I’ve heard rumored is going there,” Rivers said. “My goodness, they would have a logjam at every spot. But they’re clearly active and they’re clearly looking to improve their team. I think we all are, but it’s very difficult to make moves.

“I don’t know who we call elite - us, whoever. But in the East there’s four teams right there, and they’re all close. Everyone sees themselves with a chance to win it. I don’t blame them.”

Rivers is well aware that general manager Danny Ainge has been on the phone, surveying the landscape.

“You never just stand still,” Ainge said last night. “But it usually doesn’t lead to anything. You’re always talking to teams to see if there’s anything that might improve your team, but you don’t make a trade just to make one.”

Some names out there now are far more prominent than that, however. According to conflicting sources, Toronto is going to move Chris Bosh to avoid losing him as a free agent, or it is keeping him. Portland is definitely or not definitely making Andre Miller available. The Wizards are or aren’t taking offers for Antawn Jamison. It’s fair to assume the Suns will seek a new home for Stoudemire if they can’t get a commitment about the future.

“I really think it’s the same stuff we hear every year,” Ainge said. “But the salary cap and luxury tax are still there, and that makes things tough.”