BOSTON, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- The Boston Celtics, rumored to be contemplating a trade for Denver guard Nick Van Exel, apparently have made another trade which would improve their depth.
It was reported Wednesday that the Celtics have acquired forward Rodney Rogers and guard Tony Delk from the Phoenix Suns for rookie swingman Joe Johnson, guards Randy Brown and Milt Palacio and a first-round pick in the 2002 draft.
Neither team has confirmed the report.
The Celtics (31-23) own the second-best record in the wide-open Eastern Conference and are coming off a wild 109-108 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.
The Suns (25-28) are 0-2 under new coach Frank Johnson and trail the Seattle SuperSonics by three games for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
There were reports that the Celtics offered guard Kenny Anderson and Johnson in a package for Van Exel. But the Boston Herald reported that the Celtics would not make the deal unless Van Exel waived the final two years of his contract, valued at $26.5 million.
The trade deadline is Thursday at 6 p.m. EST.
