The Detroit Pistons want a big-time point guard, so of course they are targeting Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics. It is not really clear whether Rondo is up for grabs for grabs or not. General manager Danny Ainge has said he has no intentions of trading Rondo, but will certainly listen to calls about the point guard. Brad Stevens wants to build around Rondo. No matter what, the Pistons are giving it a shot.
The Boston Globe reports the Pistons still remain in the hunt for Rondo but do not have the right package put together to win over Ainge. Boston reportedly wants center Andre Dummond, but the Pistons are not putting the young player up for grabs. They view him as untouchable. Detroit has offered Brandon Knight and an expiring contract, but that is not even close to enough for Rondo.
Detroit has been interested in Rondo all summer. General manager Joe Dumars is really trying to explore all options for the point guard. The Pistons have no first-round draft picks they can offer up because of the Ben Gordon deal. They might try and involve another team or possibly two to make this work.
Knight's name has been brought up in numerous trade rumors for Detroit. While he is only 21, two average seasons do not bode well for his future as a Piston. While Knight is fair game, Dummond is untouchable. Greg Monroe could certainly be a valuable trade option. At 23, he is a growing player in the league, but until Detroit knows if Josh Smith was worth the money, they will likely keep Monroe around.
The idea of having Smith, Drummond and Rondo on the floor for Detroit could be big. While good point guards are relatively easy to find in the league, most are unavailable. Landing Rondo will not be easy. He comes at a very high price and Ainge will not be swayed easily, especially if Knight is the biggest piece of the package. Detroit could also have to sacrifice someone else as well.
Detroit has $56 million invested in Smith without knowing if he is a true superstar yet. Placing Rondo alongside him will make Smith that marquee player. Chauncey Billups and Knight cannot run the Detroit offense alone. Smith is not a good enough player to carry the team. If the Pistons are smart, they will do whatever it takes to land Rondo.
