"Paul Pierce isn't concerned with trade rumors and talk -— wishing upon a star though it may be — that the Celtics will be able to make moves now to kick start what will be a major rebuilding process.

"No, you can't pay attention to that," the Celts captain said after shooting 5-of-14 from the field for 12 points in a 79-71 loss to the Phoenix Suns last night at the Garden. "That's part of the business. You've just got to continue to do your job as a professional each and every day, and that's about it."

President of basketball operations Danny Ainge has been saying for more than a week that he'll consider trying to break up the team — even though he's been trying to make a bigger deal for years (remember the offer of Ray Allen to the Sacramento Kings for Kevin Martin?) — but Pierce doesn't see the desire to keep the gang together as extra motivation.

"What makes me want to play well is our record," he said after the C's dipped to 5-9. "I mean, that's more than anything.

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