NBA Trade Rumors 2010: Nate Robinson heading to Celtics?

A deal that would send three-time NBA dunk champ Nate Robinson from the New York Knicks to the Boston Celtics appears close to being finalized this afternoon, multiple league sources have told the New York Daily News.

Tuesday night, the Daily News first reported the possibility that the Knicks would trade Robinson to Boston in exchange for shooting guard Eddie House. House, who has played under current Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni with the Phoenix Suns, has an expiring contract and is believed to still be part of the trade, the Daily News reports.

House is averaging 7.2 points per game with Boston this season, while Robinson is scoring 13.2 points per contest to go along with 3.7 assists and 2.4 rebounds.

Robinson, who nixed a trade to Memphis in December, will earn a $1 million playoff bonus based on the deal he inked with the Knicks last year, which is a likely scenario given that the Celtics are in first place in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.

Robinson, who is in line to earn $5 million this season, likely will serve as the sixth or seventh man off the bench in Boston, and gives the Celtics a solid back-up point guard for rising star Rajon Rondo.

The possible acquisition of Robinson, who was benched 14 straight games by D'Antoni, would be the second disgruntled guard the Knicks have traded away to Boston in as many seasons. Last year, the Celtics acquired Stephon Marbury, who is now out of the NBA and playing overseas.

Evaluation: On paper, it looks like the Celtics got a steal of a trade in acquiring dunk champ Nate Robinson. However, Eddie House was known for making clutch 3-point shots and was an integral part of the Celtics not to mention a fan favorite.

I think what the Celtics gain in athleticism in Robinson, they lose in 3-point shooting while also taking a hit to the wallet in paying Robinson about $5 million for one season.

We'll miss your enthusiasm for the game, Big Shot Eddie! Let's hope Nate can fill his shoes and then some for the playoff stretch after playing for a losing squad in New York for so long.