If the Boston Celtics want to scoop Anthony Parker from the Cleveland Cavaliers, they will most likely need to part ways with Semih Erden. (Akron Beacon Journal)

With the NBA’s trade deadline two days away, Parker remains the Cavs’ top target of interest from teams around the league. Both the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics have expressed interest in him, one league source said, but the Cavs want a player in return and not a low draft pick.

They have targeted Omer Asik from the Bulls and Semih Erden from the Celtics, but both teams have been reluctant to part with either player. Asik is 7 feet tall, and Erden is listed at 6-11. Both were second-round picks in 2008.

I’ve asked this question before, when Marc Stein reported the Cavs were looking for a promising big man in return for Parker, but: Would you trade Semih Erden for Anthony Parker? It couldn’t be done straight up, but would you trade Marquis Daniels and Semih Erden for Anthony Parker?

I’m leaning toward no. I’m not completely against moving Erden, if the right deal presents itself. But Parker’s not even a definite upgrade over Von Wafer, who — might I add — has been playing quite well recently. Parker’s also not the type of player on whom the Celtics should spend a promising seven-footer.

You know who is, though? Shane Battier. But the Celtics are reportedly against sending Erden to Houston, even for the man with built-in cornrows. (Houston Chronicle)

ESPN reported that the Celtics had interest in Battier, but quickly shot that down, pointing out that the Celtics would not be willing to move the players the Rockets would want. Actually, I think the Rockets would be tempted to make the deal if the Celtics would include center Semih Erden, though we’ll probably never know since Boston apparently wants to keep and develop him.

If Shane Battier is available and Semih Erden’s the only thing holding the deal back, I assume Danny Ainge will pull the trigger. If not, well, he’ll have to answer to my wrath.

P.S. – Kendrick Perkins said his knee is “real sore” after bumping it last night, and his status for Thursday’s game is in the air. Perk didn’t undergo any additional testing, meaning the injury shouldn’t be too serious. (*Furiously knocking on wood*)

P.P.S. – Leon Powe’s looking for a buyout. I assume that piques some of your interest, but remember: Powe has done approximately squaw-doosh for Cleveland, and the C’s don’t exactly need another undersized power forward.