The agent refused comment but acknowledged he was about to meet Ainge.

``To me, it's all about negotiating,'' Ainge said of Duffy's comments. ``If he says he won't talk to me, then he won't, but he hasn't told me it's over.''

According to two league sources, the Celtics have increased their offer to Rondo, who is seeking a maximum contract that could start in the area of $12 million per season.

``We're going to have discussions right up until the 31st,'' Ainge said. ``I'm not aware of any discussions ending.''

Rondo expressed surprise at Duffy's comments.

``I don't know what he's saying,'' said the point guard, who added he would like to finish discussions before the deadline.

``I would like to get it done, but it is what it is. It's not like I'm worried about it.''

Told that he appeared to be amused by the process, Rondo said, ``It's interesting. Guys warned me about what it was going to be like, but everyone has to go through it for himself.

``Right now I'm focusing on Cleveland. It will take care of itself. I just want to worry about doing my job tonight. I have all season.''

West still out

Delonte West's attempt to return to the Cavaliers starting lineup - most recently hindered by a domestic violence complaint filed last weekend by the former Celtics guard's wife - continues to run in the mud.

Though West, who is struggling with everything from a bipolar disorder to weapons charges in Maryland, sat on the bench for both preseason games last week, he has yet to play a game in public.

Last night's season opener against his old team was no different. Cavs coach Mike Brown once again started Anthony Parker and sat West.

``Right now we have support for him off the floor, and I'm waiting for an OK from (general manager Danny Ferry),'' Brown said. ``(West) practiced yesterday and he looked good. He's looked good throughout the preseason.''

That, however, doesn't help the Cavaliers' current on-court product.

``He was our starting (shooting guard) last year. He's a big part of what we do,'' Brown said. ``He had the second-most minutes of anyone on our team in the playoffs. He's a big part of our team.''

Celts coach Doc Rivers expressed concern for his former player.

``I pray for him, honestly,' Rivers said. ``We didn't have all of this (that he's going through now). We had some issues, but we didn't have all of this. You just hope that someone can touch him.

``It's a lot of stuff, and you just hope that someone can get to him.''

Shelden in mix

Glen Davis' broken thumb has opened a window of opportunity for Shelden Williams, who said last night he hasn't been on national television since he was in the Final Four with Duke.

``It feels like I'm back at Duke all over again,'' Williams said. ``There's just a lot of jitters going on right now.''

Read the Celtics Insider at bostonherald.com.