NBA Trade Deadline: Celtics to make strong push for Jimmy Butler, Paul George

The Boston Celtics (33-19) will make a strong push to try and acquire All-Stars Jimmy Butler or Paul George ahead of the Feb. 23 NBA Trade Deadline per fresh reports. Boston have not shown any interest in New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, who is reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause for a move to the Celtics.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, Anthony is willing to approve a trade to one of the Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers or the Celtics. While the Clippers and Cavs have engaged in discussions with the Knicks in recent weeks, the Celtics haven't shown any interest in acquiring Anthony.

"Boston’s shown minimal interest in Anthony, preferring to continue its pursuit of persuading Chicago Bulls (Jimmy Butler) and Indiana Pacers (Paul George) to engage in trade talks that involve two younger, more well-rounded stars," Wojnarowski wrote in his report published Wednesday.

Many analysts believe the Celtics are just one superstar piece away from contending for the Eastern Conference championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Isiah Thomas putting together an MVP-calibre season, the Celtics have established themselves as the second-best team in the conference -- and are expected to end their streak of first round playoff exits. The addition of a superstar two-way wing such as Butler or George would surely elevate Boston to the upper echelon.

NBA Trade Deadline: Celtics have plenty of assets to deal

The Celtics have a chest of draft picks in their possession, including the Brooklyn Nets' 2017 and 2018 first-rounders. They also own a couple of 2019 first-round draft picks owned by the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies. One would assume that a team such as Chicago, which is looking to hit the reset button with a battery of young players, would be enticed by Boston's collection of draft picks.

According to Hoops Hype, the Celtics and Bulls could re-open the Jimmy Butler trade discussions that haven't been visited since the 2016 NBA Draft. "Around the 2016 draft, sources say the Bulls were asking potential trading partners for four pieces (either players or picks) in any serious offer for Butler.

"It seems likely that Chicago will have the same asking price prior to the deadline if talks get serious with another team, especially since Butler has put up some of the best numbers of his career this season." Stay tuned for the latest on a possible Jimmy Butler trade or Paul George trade. The NBA Trade Deadline is on Feb. 23. Will the Boston Celtics trade away their invaluable future draft picks?