ESPN’s Chad Ford seems to be think Ainge is leaning towards a small move, but doesn’t seem too sure.

Ravi (Boston)
What options do the Celtics have right now? Do you think Ray Allen is moved by the trade deadline?

Chad Ford
Danny Ainge continues to maintain that a trade is unlikely. He’s willing to move Ray Allen to get a young player back, but the guys he’s pursuing — Monta Ellis, Kevin Martin, Andre Iguodala, etc — aren’t available for just an expiring deal (at least not yet). And I don’t think the Celtics want to take on a horrific contract like Corey Maggette or Richard Hamilton. That’s the problem. I know some GMs around the league think Boston is desperate. But after making some calls yesterday, I think they are content with just doing something small.

Let’s hope Boston wouldn’t take Maggette or Hamilton. As we get closer and closer to the deadline, teams’ asking prices will likely get lower. Let’s hope Ainge capitalizes.

As much as no expert seems to admit, a $19 million expiring contract — even if it is only an expiring contract — is a huge bargaining chip. Especially in this economy, and especially with the 2010 free agent class expected to be epic. I find it hard to believe a package highlighted by J.J. Hickson and Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ $11.5 million contract might net Amare Stoudemire but the Celtics couldn’t put together a package worthy enough to entice some team to let go of a borderline star.