Globe: Celts have almost no interest in Howard; think highly of Horford

The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach has an update on the Celtics trade talks:

According to league sources, Boston is reluctant to mortgage its future in exchange for players who could become free agents at season’s end. The Celtics are content to move forward without making a trade, and they will be careful not to get caught up in an unnecessary bidding war.

“This team is not in it for the short term,” one league source said.

The Celtics have been linked to Rockets center Dwight Howard and Hawks forward Al Horford, both of whom could be available on the trade market. But sources said the Celtics are unlikely to acquire either player before Thursday’s deadline.

The Celtics currently have almost no interest in trading for Howard, 30, a talented center with a history of back issues and a questionable work ethic. He can opt out of his contract at season’s end, and even if he wanted to re-sign with Boston, the team would have reservations about offering a long-term deal. Also, Howard is not viewed as a player who would help attract another top free agent to Boston this summer.

The Celtics do think highly of Horford, sources said. They admire him as a player and believe he could be a good fit in Boston. But there are a few major hurdles that are likely to keep the Celtics from completing a deal for him if he is available.

Consider this a reminder from Danny Ainge that the Celtics are not giving up the Brooklyn picks for either of these players. It also appears the Cs are reluctant to part with additional assets for Horford because he’s a pending free agent.

But I’ll reiterate a point John made during a morning Twitter rant, the Celtics can’t use all of their draft picks because this team is already burdened with a bunch of young players (Hunter, Young, Rozier and Mickey). Why not throw a few mid 1st rounders at Atlanta and take a flyer on Al? Maybe a half-season playing for Brad Stevens is enough to convince him to resign here, provided Wyc is comfortable writing a check for $150 million.

In other news speculation, ESPN Insider Kevin Pelton wonders if the Rockets should dump James Harden. Naturally, he suggests a trade scenario with the Celtics involving Isaiah Thomas, David Lee and one of the Brooklyn picks. Count me in.