The Boston Celtics could be dealing with big roster issues in the upcoming offseason. Rajon Rondo will be an unrestricted free agent while Jeff Green has a player option that he is expected not to exercise and hit the market instead. This means both players have been opened up to trades at the mid-season deadline. However, Green is denying that he is requesting a move from the Celtics sooner rather than later.
Green has heard the rumors. The forward has been frustrated lately as the Celtics struggle early in the season, but he is making it clear that he is not unhappy with the organization and is not requesting any kind move from Boston during the season.
"Before you start, I just want to clear the air about some B.S. rumor that came out," Green said, via ESPN.com. "I don't know if the person who made this article is in this [group of reporters], but the rumor about me wanting to get traded is definitely false. I said that I was frustrated with losing, not frustrated with the team. So if the words didn't come from my mouth, I'd appreciate if you do not write a dumb--- article like that."
Green made it clear that his frustrations stem from losing and not the workings of the organization. According to Green, he would not have signed a four-year, $36 million contract if he did not intend to stay with Boston. However, there is a very strong trade market for Green and if he is frustrated with the losses, a move to a contending team might be welcomed.
According to CSNNE.com, the trade market for Green is much stronger than the market for Rondo. Green has not been playing well this year, something that is playing into the team's losses. He is struggling as a perimeter defender along with shooting inside, but teams are still interested in acquiring him.
CBSSports.com believes that teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat could all be contenders to acquire Green in a mid-season trade in hopes that a change of scenery to a better team will help get the forward back to shooting well. Right now, Green is averaging 18.4 points in 35.3 minutes per game. Right now, it appears likely that Green will stay put, opt out and sign a smaller deal in free agent. However, do not put anything past Danny Ainge.