WALTHAM, Mass. -- The Boston Celtics expect to keep the fifth pick in the NBA draft despite speculation about trades for veterans Kevin Garnett and Shawn Marion, the man who will make the choice said Wednesday.
"I think it's unlikely," the pick will be traded, Danny Ainge said. "I've felt that way from the beginning, that these trades are hard to come by."
Ainge, the executive director of basketball operations, scoffed at reports of possible deals and refused to comment on any of them. What appears certain is that he knows who he'll take Thursday night depending on who's available. And he said he's convinced that player can make a major impact as a rookie.
On Tuesday, he and coach Doc Rivers were in Phoenix watching a workout involving Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah of Florida and Jeff Green of Georgetown. At least two of the three are expected to be available with the fifth pick.
"You hope to see somebody really jump off the charts and make my job a lot easier, but that hasn't been the case. They all played well," Ainge said.
He appeared unconcerned with reports that veteran Paul Pierce might ask to be traded if the Celtics don't obtain a veteran who can help sooner than a rookie. He said Pierce has not demanded a trade and that the two spoke Tuesday.
"It was a great conversation and Paul was very enthusiastic," Ainge said.
