BOSTON -- Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers confirmed before Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic that the team nearly traded Ray Allen at last month's deadline, dubbing it a "scary moment," but suggested it's in the rearview mirror for the player and team.

Earlier Wednesday, Yahoo! Sports reported that the Celtics were close to a deal that would have sent Allen to the Memphis Grizzlies for a package that included O.J. Mayo and a draft pick. The report indicated that Rivers even called Allen to alert him to the trade -- Rivers said he never did that, but acknowledged that Allen and Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge were in contact during the trade talks -- and the coach said he breathed a sigh of relief when Boston's core emerged intact when the deadline passed.

"It was a scary moment, for all of us. If you lose Ray, that’s a scary moment," said Rivers. "He’s pretty good."

Asked if he was in favor of keeping the Big Three together, Rivers added, "I wouldn't want to see Ray, Paul [Pierce], or Kevin [Garnett] ever moved. That’s just how you are. Even if you got the best deal in the world, you’re still losing guys you have an attachment with. That would be scary for me, or any of us."

Rivers tried to dismiss Wednesday's hoopla, suggesting it was old news for Boston.

"I don’t see what the big deal is, that was a month ago," said Rivers. "I’m serious, I don’t get the big deal of it."

Rivers also said the near deal had no lingering impact on Allen or the team.

"Our guys are great, that’s the point," said Rivers. "Afterwards, we were all good; just moved forward. That’s what I love about this team."