he Celtics yesterday sent a clear message to the NBA that they take themselves very seriously in any discussion of Eastern Conference contenders by executing a significant trade with the Phoenix Suns.

The deal almost enters the ''too-good-to-be-true'' category. Boston gave up rookie forward Joe Johnson, veteran guard Randy Brown, backup point guard Milt Palacio, and their first-round draft pick for 2002. In exchange, they acquired the services of 6-foot-7-inch forward Rodney Rogers and 6-2 shooting guard Tony Delk.