The Boston Celtics are one more All-Star away from being a real threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference. The latest NBA trade rumors have revealed that the Celtics are in pursuit of Paul George of the Indiana Pacers and Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Celtics are more interested in acquiring George or Butler rather than Carmelo Anthony, who the New York Knicks have been shopping in the past couple of weeks. NBA trade rumors have linked Anthony to the Celtics, as well as the Cavaliers and Clippers.

The situation in New York is ugly with Knicks president Phil Jackson taking shots at Anthony in public. Many view this tactic as a way to annoy the nine-time All-Star so that he waives his no-trade clause. The Cavaliers remain interested in Anthony but the defending champs do not want to let go of Kevin Love.

On the other hand, there is no indication that the Pacers are going to sell George at the deadline despite all the NBA trade rumors. Indiana is currently sixth in the East and they are not a contender, unlike the Cavs, Celtics, Wizards or Raptors.

Pacers president Larry Bird told USA Today that he has no intention of trading George anytime soon. However, the connection of Bird to the Celtics franchise makes it possible for both teams to agree on a deal if the offer is irresistible.

As for the Bulls, they are struggling at the moment and they can potentially miss the playoffs despite the career-year from Butler. The two-time All-Star is also at odds with the front office which makes him a frequent name on many NBA trade rumors.

The Celtics have the best shot in acquiring a third All-Star at the deadline because of their assets that include two first-round picks with potential to become the first overall selection, per CBS Sports. They also have a host of young players like Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown.

Nevertheless, these are just NBA trade rumors at the moment and should be taken with a grain of salt. More speculations will arise as the February 23 trade deadline fast approaches.

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