Word came this weekend that David West was heading to the Celtics via a sign and trade.

But as Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reported late Saturday night, the Pacers "have positioned themselves to sign the power forward should talks with the Celtics flatline on Sunday, league sources told Yahoo! Sports."

Wrote Wojnarowski: "Boston is limited under sign-and-trade rules with how high it can go with an offer. The Celtics can offer the first three years in the $24 million to $25 million range, but the fourth year would likely not be fully guaranteed ... Indiana has been discussing a two-year deal with West but with a higher annual salary, sources said."

Added Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star: "Larry Bird's patience could pay off if he's able to sign West to only a two-year contract. They were concerned he wouldn't do a short-term deal."

If the Pacers don't acquire West, it's possible they could still land Nene or Carl Landry.

If not, Tyler Hansbrough may figure in as the team's starting power forward this season.

-- Ryan Corazza