Celtics pursuing Rudy Fernandez & Leandro Barbosa

League sources said yesterday that the Celts have expressed trade interest in guards Leandro Barbosa of Phoenix and Rudy Fernandez of Portland.

The Celtics probably are using Rasheed Wallace’s contract in their attempt to acquire Barbosa, who averaged 9.5 points in 17.9 minutes for the Suns this season.

Barbosa, 27, is a seven-year veteran who would fit well with the uptempo style coach Doc Rivers and general manager Danny Ainge prefer.

But Fernandez may be even more intriguing. He’s a 6-foot-6 shooter ill-suited to the Trail Blazers’ halfcourt approach. The 25-year-old Spaniard also spoke of being homesick last season when he averaged 8.1 points and 2.0 assists in 23.2 minutes.
Barbosa will make $7.1 million and Fernandez $1.2 million next year. I wrote a couple weeks ago that the Celtics should go after Rudy, so you know who I'm rooting for. Rondo needs a young running mate and I think Rudy would help the C's much more than Barbosa. I'm hoping Avery Bradley can fill the combo guard role Danny is enamored with.

Thanks Bohemian for the find.