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Report: Celtics interested in Bell

Print | Comments () Posted by Chad Finn, Globe Staff February 18, 2009 01:53 PM

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With the NBA trade deadline set for 3 p.m. tomorrow and the Celtics suddenly having a pair of roster spots open after Tony Allen's injury and Sam Cassell's release, there is some speculation today regarding moves Danny Ainge may be considering.

The most intriguing report today comes from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, who writes that the Celtics have shown interest in Charlotte's Raja Bell, a tough defender who had his moments in the playoffs during his time with the Suns. It's easy to envision Bell as a good fit with the Celtics, but Wojnarowski reports that the teams have been unable to find a match because "[so] far, the Celtics don’t have anything in return that appeals to Charlotte."

He also notes that the Celtics been trying to trade 2008 first-round pick J.R. Giddens for a draft choice "for months."

Elsewhere, the New York Post reports that the Knicks hope to reach a settlement after the trade deadline with banished guard Stephon Marbury, and reports that the player "would likely join the Celtics" after a buyout is agreed upon.

Not surprisingly, Knicks GM Donnie Walsh said he hasn't had much trade action on Marbury, who makes $21 million this season.

"So far I haven't seen something that would benefit us," Walsh told the Post. "Actually I haven't had a lot of calls on it."