Expert: Fabio Anderle - 2/7/2005

Question
With the trading deadline approaching soon, do you see the C's doing any major deals containing Pierce, Payton or anyone.  Also because of his recent stellar play is Paul going to be a Celtic beyond this year.  What teams are interested in either Payton or Pierce and who are they willing to go give up?

Answer
Well, Eitan,

Ainge is not going to tell anybody his plans until a deal has been struck.... anyway, Minnesota seemed interested in acquiring Gary Payton, and rumours said they would have given away Olowokandi in return. But the trade fell short, and now Seattle is trying to lure "The Glove" away. In an interview Gary said he is thinking only about his team right now, and that he likes the teammates a lot, so it is quite a possibility that he could stay in green untile the end of the season, even if his mother is battling a cancer. I think a trade can still be made, with McCarty, Banks and Stewart as real trade material. Perhaps Ainge could pack a draft pick too, considering we have two in the upcoming draft, but only if he can receive a good player in return. Pierce will remain a Celtic at least until the end of the season, although I think we should keep him in Boston for the time to come. And there is no reason to believe he is going to be traded: his agent recently stated that Paul is happy and he is a Celtic in first place.
I hope this helps....