Michael Beasley trade rumors are the latest rage in Boston Celtics Rumorville, and Fox Sports’ Sam Amico became the latest to float Beasley’s name in connection with the Green team on Wednesday. Amico was more specific in his talks than Peter Vecsey, saying the Celtics would depart with Jermaine O’Neal in the deal. (Fox Sports Ohio)

Rondo is the most sought-after around the league, and that’s understandable. He’s 26 and has a championship ring. He’s an excellent distributor, outstanding defender and proven winner.

Allen’s name has also been mentioned in trade rumors. And the scuttlebutt before Tuesday’s game was that the Celtics might be looking to make a deal that involves sending veteran center Jermaine O’Neal to Minnesota and landing young forward Michael Beasley in return.

Would the Celtics trade Jermaine O’Neal, Jermaine O’Neal’s expiring contract and Jermaine O’Neal’s headband for Beasley, Beasley’s expiring contract, and Beasley’s collection of SpongeBob paraphernalia? Yes, almost definitely, even though that exchange would leave the Celtics with approximately 97 power forwards (indeed, Beasley can also play small forward). As much as you can complain about Beasley’s lack of development or his utter disdain for most basketball-related skills that don’t involve shooting and scoring, he’s a 23-year old who presumably has room to grow into his potential. Plus, his body works on most days, which would be an improvement over O’Neal.

But would the Timberwolves trade Beasley for O’Neal? Only if the Celtics sweetened the deal with a draft pick or two, or possibly a filler like Avery Bradley. Otherwise, the deal doesn’t make sense for Minny. Swapping a 23-year old with potential for a 33-year old presumably nearing retirement does not make much sense when both contracts are equal — even if you’re David Kahn and the 23-year old occasionally makes questionable decisions.