The Houston Rockets have been off to a hot 5-0 start this season and once the trade deadline rolls around, there is a chance that they could look to add more firepower and a Rajon Rondo or Gerald Green trade could be an option, as SI.com writes that both are a potential trading chips for the Phoenix Suns and that teams like the LA Lakers, NY Knicks, Chicago Bulls, OKC Thunder and Miami Heat could be interested.
SI.com put together a list of players that likely will hit the block and both Rondo and Green were on it, while Grantland's Zach Lowe also added that Green will be a prime target. The Rockets have not missed Chandler Parsons in the offense yet through their 5-0 start, but that could change as the season wears on. There is a ton of pressure on James Harden and Dwight Howard and going for a player like Rondo or Green could help put the Rockets over the top. The team is trying to bounce back after losing in the first round of the playoffs last season and that could spark a move from Daryl Morey.
Rondo is headed towards free agency and that could be a factor in all of this, but the Rockets have long been interested in Rondo and could make a move. Rondo will be looking for max money or close to that once he hits the market and if things get that far, the Celtics should have some competition.
The Knicks, Lakers and Kings have all shown interest in the past and NY and LA will have money to spend. Both teams are planning on going hard after free agents next summer and along with Rondo, names like Greg Monroe and LaMarcus Aldridge also will be on the market. Pro Basketball Talk also reported that Marc Gasol will be a free agent target for the Celtics next summer whether Rondo stays or goes.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Celtics and Danny Ainge have said that they want to keep Rondo long term and both sides plan on staying together for at least the beginning of the season. Rondo wants to see where the Celtics are at in their rebuilding before signing an extension, while the Celtics want to see if Rondo can stay healthy. Reports also have the team looking to keep Rondo while signing Marc Gasol or Greg Monroe as a free agent next summer.
Last season Rondo came back from an ACL injury and looked good in 30 games and now the team wants to see if he can make it through at least half the season before making a move. The team picked Marcus Smart in the draft and that was a wise move because he went six and he should have been a top three pick, but he is also insurance if Rondo gets hurt or leaves. Rondo likely wants to hit free agency so the market can come to him, but that doesn't mean he won't end up signing back with the Celtics.