Pacers president Larry Bird is itching to make a deal as his future in the team's front office remains undecided.

The team has a host of expiring contracts, which are attractive on the trade market, and they are in the midst of a slump.

Bird says his preference is to use the team's expiring contracts to acquire a key player before the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

"I would do that," Bird said.

"I've got my draft choice (a 2011 first-round pick). The thing I always say is, 'Do you save it and see what the rules are (under a new collective bargaining agreement) or do you use it?' But, if get that opportunity, I'm going to use it (by the trade deadline). ... Do you wait or do you do it? I've made my mind up and I've talked to (Pacers owner Herb) Simon about it, and I've told him what I want to do, if we can get a good player."

Mike Dunleavy ($10.56 million), T.J. Ford ($8.5 million) and Jeff Foster ($6.66 million) have significant expiring deals.

Bird added that he really hasn't thought about shopping Danny Granger.

"Danny's one of our integral parts," Bird said. "I don't really talk about Danny (in possible) trades. We'd like to add to him, try to get him some help. ... Danny's been been a good soldier. He knows what we're doing. We'd rather add to him."