It appears that as of now, Rajon Rondo will be in a Boston Celtics' uniform come the start of the 2013-14 season. As the team continues to build up on youth and prospects, Danny Ainge has been adamant about Rondo being the type of player the Celtics will build around. So what happens next summer? With a new stash of first round picks, Rondo could be headed out and Carmelo Anthony wants him on the Knicks.
As Rondo continues rehab from a torn ACL, the status of his overall health is still slightly unknown. If Rondo can return healthy and play a productive season, he is even bigger trade bait than this season. So who would be the first to call about the point guard's services? Anthony and the New York Knicks might.
Rondo going to the New York Knicks feels so highly unlikely because of the team's financial situation. They are currently strapped for cash with most of their money tied into Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire. They also lack any kind of real assets that would interest the Celtics in some kind of trade.
Despite all of that, Anthony wants Rondo. Yahoo! Sports reports the free-agent-to-be feels like the Knicks could be true contenders if they acquire Rondo to replace Raymond Felton, a player Anthony feels is not going enough to make the team successful.
No matter what Ainge says, this is the NBA and no one can be trusted. He has fielded calls about Rondo interest earlier in the offseason so there is no denying that he would likely do it again. The question becomes if the Knicks can put together a strong enough trade package to win over the Celtics. Iman Shumpert might be the only valuable player and he is not enough to give up Rondo.
It is no secret that Anthony is looking for help. Stoudemire was supposed to provide that, but has yet to been constant productivity for the Knicks. The team is stuck financially with three max players making any kind of attempted moves, unlikely to truly happen.
Rondo is one of the more respected players in the league as far as his play goes. Many players look to him as a young point guard who could truly be a cornerstone to any team. Rondo and Anthony might not be a great fit due to finances, but it is interesting that Anthony pursued the point guard in the first place. Ainge is set on keeping Rondo, but do not be surprised if he picks up the phone if the Knicks call.