The countdown to the NBA trade deadline has begun.

Here are the latest news and rumors before the Feb. 23 NBA trade deadline.

Can the Celtics use a war chest of assets to acquire Indiana super star forward Paul George?

With a slew of assets--including the Nets unprotected first-round selection in June, the likely No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft--the Celtics are in a spot that would make most teams jealous: Good now (second in the East), with the potential to be great soon.

If Celtics general manager Danny Ainge can cash in picks and role players for one more superstar, a big three of Al Horford, Isaiah Thomas and soon-to-be-named star could be enough to get to the NBA Finals soon.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports' The Vertical, Boston isn't keen on moving pieces for Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony. Instead, the Celtics are holding for either Chicago's Jimmy Butler or Indiana's Paul George.

George, 26, to Boston could change the entire sport. Heading into play on Feb. 9, George was averaging 22.5 points, 3.4 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game for the Pacers.

Carmelo Anthony trade rumors

Is Orlando's Serge Ibaka a fit for the upstart Miami Heat?

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Magic forward Serge Ibaka is on Miami's trade radar.

One name we've been told is on Miami's radar: Orlando forward Serge Ibaka, an impending free agent for whom the Magic reportedly is willing to consider offers.

It's unclear whether the Heat has assets that the Magic wants, or how aggressively Miami will pursue this. But Ibaka intrigues the Heat.

Ibaka, 27, was averaging 15.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game (heading into play on Feb. 9) in his first season with the Magic.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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