The Boston Celtics are expecting to get Rajon Rondo back on the court by Friday at the earliest. The point guard has been hinting at his highly anticipated return on Twitter after tearing his ACL late last season. The Celtics view Rondo at the center piece of their team so getting the veteran back is much needed. However, with the return of Rondo, backup point guard Jordan Crawford is expected to be traded.
According to NBA Insider Peter Vecsey, the Celtics are looking to trade Crawford in the coming days as a few teams have expressed interest in the wake of Rondo's expected return. Crawford has developed into a reliable playmaker while filling in for the point guard. He is averaging 5.7 assists per game and drawing interest from at least five teams.
Crawford is an easy target. He is set to hit free agency this summer where he will likely command at least a little more than the $3.2 million qualifying offer he is due. Any team interested will likely just be using him as a half-season rental if they do not plan on investing that much money into him for the long-term.
The Brooklyn Nets are showing plenty of interest in Crawford. The Nets are in need of help at the point guard position as starter Deron Williams continues to deal with ankle injuries. Williams has missed the last week of games and will not join the team during their London stint against the Atlanta Hawks. The point guard has missed 15 games so far this season, leaving Brooklyn very short-handed during a season where they have been expected to contend for a title.
The Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors are the other teams looking to make deals for Crawford. The point guard will not come cheap considering how well he has played for Boston this season. Rondo will not be playing full games when he first returns and a reliable backup will be needed.
Crawford told USA Today Sports that he prefers to remain in Boston if possible. Head coach Brad Stevens praised the point guard for his work during Rondo's absence. Crawford said he would be willing to adjust to a new role with the team if it meant he can stay in Boston.
"I like getting to play every night," Crawford said, via USA TODAY Sports. "I'm leading the team and getting everybody involved in the offense. It's just a bigger role."
