The Boston Celtics have said all along that a trade for Rajon Rondo would require a big return package from any team interested. The Sacramento Kings thought they had that big deal to get the point guard when they offered up Isaiah Thomas and Ben McLemore before the approaching deadline. The Boston Celtics do not appear to be biting on the offer and now it sounds like McLemore is going nowhere for the time being.
The deal for Rondo would have been highway robbery to put it lightly. The Celtics might be 19-35 on the season and are not exactly in position for the playoffs, but offering up McLemore and Thomas plus two unprotected first round picks for a player that will be the highlight of the 2015 free agency class is not going to work out.
Sacramento is certainly in "buy" mode when it comes to the trade deadline. The team is 18-35 with the worst record in the Western Conference, but they could use the trade deadline to set themselves up for the future. The team went all in on Rudy Gay. They have committed big money to DeMarcus Cousins. With those two pieces locked down, adding a supporting cast could put the Kings in a better position next year.
According to Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee, any trade rumor involving McLemore can be taken with a grain of salt. The Kings reportedly must be blown away by an offer if they are going to give up the shooting guard in the next 48 hours. Yes, Rondo would qualify as being "blown away" but he hardly solves all of the Kings' issues at this point in the season.
McLemore has naturally garnered some interest over the trading period. While he has seen his share of rookie struggles, the 21-year-old has a world of potential. He is averaging 7.6 points per game in just over 23 minutes of game time. He could certainly be a huge asset to the Kings in the future.
According to Sam Smith of Bulls.com, the reason this trade failed to come together was because Rondo has no desire to re-sign with Sacramento when he becomes a free agent. The point guard will have his pick of teams in 2015, but if he going to be traded, he wants it to be with a team that might be in position to win this season. The Kings are simply not that team.
