Though contract offers and mere contact with free agents often are confused during this rumor-laden time of year, the result can be maddening for the organization that is attempting to gauge interest in a player.

That’s where the Celtics [team stats] found themselves yesterday amid reports they made an offer to free agent Corey Maggette.

A team source insisted no offer was made to the former Clippers swingman, though Danny Ainge reportedly has talked to a number of players, including Maggette, as he attempts to build a pool of candidates in the event his top priority - signing James Posey - falls through.