Paul Pierce Ignores Trade Rumors During Celtics' Losing Skid

The Boston Celtics lost again on Friday night, 79-71 at home to the Phoenix Suns, at home, to fall to 5-9 on the season. With each loss, the talks of blowing up the team's veteran core only intensify -- but C's captain Paul Pierce says he's ignoring all that talk.

"You can't pay attention to that," Pierce told reporters tonight, according to ESPN Boston. "It's part of the business. You just have to continue to do your job, as a professional, each and every night. And that's about it."

Celtics GM Danny Ainge said earlier this week if presented with quality young players in return, he wouldn't hesitate to break up his nucleus by trading either Pierce, Kevin Garnett or Ray Allen. Ainge has also repeatedly said in recent years that he wishes Red Auerbach had broken up the 1980s Celtics by trading Larry Bird or Kevin McHale toward the ends of their careers. Pierce insists he's not listening to the speculation.

"I don't really read the papers," he said. "I don't really monitor everything that's been said. I'm just more concerned about this group, what goes on in this locker room and with my teammates."

Pierce, who was also the subject of trade rumors in 2006 and '07 before Garnett and Allen arrived, has maintained throughout that he'd like to retire as a Celtic.