For many teams the NBA offseason has officially arrived and roster moves are beginning to be contemplated. No surprise to many, the Boston Celtics ended their season without a trip to the postseason after they did a monster roster overhaul last year. The Celtics offseason can only mean one thing, Rajon Rondo trade rumors and after recent comments from general manager Danny Ainge, they are running more rampant than ever.
Ainge recently spoke to the media noting the Celtics wanted All-Star players on their team. After letting going Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Teddy last offseason, Rajon Rondo was the only marquee player left. Now, the Celtics are ready to add some big names in order to properly rebuild. According to WEEI's Ben Rohrbach, when asked if any player was off limits as far as trades go, Ainge quickly responded no.
Of course, Rondo's name is the first that comes to mind with this comment. The point guard is set to be a free agent in 2015 and many assume he has zero plans on re-signing. Of course everyone has Rondo on their short wishlist of athletes to acquire this summer. The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers have been on the radar since the trade deadline. Of course Rondo would not be cheap and both teams do not have a lot of assets to give away in exchange, but with Ainge anything is possible.
The general manager also made quick note that he would not rule out the return of Paul Pierce who was sent away to the Brooklyn Nets last year. Ainge was asked about the potential to bring back the long-time Celtics star, to which he responded, "At the right price, right circumstance." That price would likely be sky high given the Nets gave up a lot to get the veteran and have zero plans to let him walk away without a real fight.
Rondo will face trade rumors all offseason. That is simply the position he is in with an expiring contract on a rebuilding team. The Celtics could really load on a deal for the point guard. Ainge has not confirmed that Rondo is the player open to deals, it is all mere assumption. However, the general manager has pulled off impossible deals in the past and can do so again.
