After being linked with nearly every star player before Thursday's NBA trade deadline, the Celtics stood pat, retaining all of their assets instead of cashing in on another big-name player.

Celtics fans went through the same song and dance during the 2016 NBA Draft, when rumors were flying that Boston would trade some of its many picks for the likes of Kevin Love or Nerlens Noel.

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At first, it appeared Jimmy Butler was on his way to Boston, finally freeing the star from the dysfunctional season plaguing Chicago. The Bulls pulled out in the end, which ended speculation, but it's worth wondering if it was because they wanted to keep Butler, or the Celtics just weren't offering enough.

Tuesday bought some early buzz surrounding Pistons center Andre Drummond. Isaiah Thomas tweeted a speculative emoji, which was matched by Drummond. Drummond then changed his picture to him waving goodbye.

Drummond is having a down year offensively, but he's one of the best rebounders in the league, and still very young despite his veteran status. He would have helped Boston get more physical in the paint.

Rumors then starting flying fast and furious Wednesday night into Thursday placing Paul George as a possible new member of the Celtics. Boston fans likely had shimmering visions of Isaiah Thomas and Paul George lighting up scoreboards while competing for a title.

The Celtics didn't even get P.J. Tucker, who went to the Raptors — one of Boston's Eastern Confernce rivals.

Boston is currently second in the Eastern Conference standings — three games behind the Cavaliers. With Thomas, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder and Al Horford leading an endless list of role players, the Celtics could still make a strong run.

It just seems as though a little air was let out of their sails after missing out on a bona-fide star, yet again.