There is a very real possibility that Rajon Rondo will no longer be with the Boston Celtics either this season or next. Currently a year away from approaching free agency, any indication that Rondo will not re-sign might lead the Celtics to trade the point guard sooner rather than later. So where does the team look if their franchise player is sent packing elsewhere?
According to ESPN.com's Chad Ford, the Celtics are favoring a point guard with their first pick in the NBA Draft and like what they see out of former Connecticut star, Shabazz Napier. The point guard has seen his stock rise over the past few weeks. Teams like that he stayed in college and is already a developed leader along with being a talented offensive star. The Celtics view Napier as a player that can step in immediately if need be, or develop behind Rondo for the future. If they want to draft Napier, they might have to do so early since Ford believes that everyone from the Chicago Bulls to the Los Angeles Lakers will also take a look at Napier.
If Napier is not drafted with the No. 6 pick then Aaron Gordon might be. According to Bleacher Report, the small forward is an ideal fit for the team. He has strong athleticism while still having a good touch on the ball for shooting. Danny Ainge liked what he saw from Gordon in his pre-draft workouts and could be in play to grab him in the first round.
The Celtics believe they are still in play to make a trade for Kevin Love. The Celtics can offer one of the better packages of the reported 16 teams that called the Minnesota Timberwolves in regards to the forward. Many believe Boston would offer up their No. 6 pick along with players like Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger. Both players are not exactly elite contributors who would put up the numbers that Love would, but they are strong assets to build around if the Timberwolves make the deal.
The next two seasons are crucial for Boston. If Love is not traded this offseason, he will be a free agent come 2015 along with Rondo. The two players met up in Boston just a few weeks ago and could opt to team up. Pairing them with young stars like Napier and Gordon could put Boston back in playoff contention.