IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN....TRADING DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING

Usually HOOPSWORLD writers have to remind readers that the trade deadline is right around the corner.

This season, however, the headlines have been so dominated by Carmelo Anthony trade talk (particularly within the Atlantic Division), that a reminder hardly seems necessary. No less than two Northeastern teams are vying to become Melo's employer, but the trade scenarios don't stop there. Every Atlantic Division team is a serious candidate to be buying or selling at this deadline.

With that in mind, here is where each team stands in terms of finances and trade chips as we move into February:

Boston Celtics – (29-9)

The Celtics have the second-best record in the NBA without full use of centers Kendrick Perkins, Shaquille O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal or Semih Erden. Even with all of that uncertainty, the Celtics still rank 10th in offensive efficiency (points allowed per 100 possessions) and second in defensive efficiency (points allowed per 100 possessions). But if there has been one disappointment for Boston this season, it's been the poor rebounding numbers. The Celtics are grabbing only 49.9% of missed shots, which ranks 16th in the NBA.

Delonte West, Kevin Garnett and Perkins are on their way back from injury, but Jermaine O'Neal could be faced with surgery on his ailing knee. If president of basketball operations Danny Ainge wants to add depth at the 5, he has Von Wafer, rookie Avery Bradley, Marquis Daniels, Luke Harangody, Nate Robinson and Glen Davis to offer. Harangody looked impressive in last week's win over Toronto, but he likely hasn't progressed enough to make Big Baby expendable. The team may also be looking for a replacement for Tony Allen, who signed with the Memphis Grizzlies during the offseason. Bradley or West could possibly filled the role of a perimeter defender off the bench, but both are surrounded by question marks. Don't be surprised to see the Celtics try to add a 3-point shooting backup for Rajon Rondo. Robinson came through for Boston in the playoffs last season, but has looked awkward at times this year.

Notable Trade Chips: Von Wafer (one year/$900K), Avery Bradley (two years/$3 million plus team options for 2012-2013 and 2013-2014), Marquis Daniels (one year/$2.5 million), Glen Davis (one year/$3.3 million), Luke Harangody (two years/$1.2 million) and Nate Robinson (two years/$8.7 million).

Salary Cap Situation: The Celtics are nearly $31 million over the cap this season and are $7.4 million over the luxury tax threshold.

Trade Exceptions: None


Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=18468#ixzz1DIrFfA4t

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