With the NBA offseason comes another set of rumors surrounding Rajon Rondo. The Boston Celtics love to tap dance around the idea that the point guard is at all available for deals, but with one year left on his contract, most teams assume the Celtics will make a move at the right price. What that price is is unkown other than a draft pick and marquee player must be included. As Boston continues rebuilding, could the Indiana Pacers offer the right players to get the point guard in return?
NBA beat writer Chuck Myron took time to flesh out some of the biggest rumors surround Rondo, but noted that a darkhorse to make a run at the point guard could be the Indiana Pacers. The leading Eastern Conference team normally remains quiet during the free agency frenzy, but with several players approaching free agency, they must make key moves in order to maintain pace with the Miami Heat. Getting Rondo would certainly help the effort.
If the Pacers are going to get Rondo, it might take a sign-and-trade to make it happen. Myron purposes the idea that the Pacers seek a deal involving a sign-and-trade for Lance Stephenson while adding in David West. This deal both makes sense and hurts at the same time.
Boston had interest in West coming out of the lockout. They wanted to sign the power forward a few seasons ago but missed out. West is not a free agent until 2016, while being owed $12 million per the next two seasons. Losing West hurts Indiana fans, but getting Rondo makes the wound not as deep.
Stephenson is not essential to the Pacers. While he is an excellent player, he failed to bring any sort of success to Indiana and has yet to truly play up to the player he is. The Pacers have already shown hesitation in re-signing Stephenson, baulking on contract negotiations last offseason.
Rondo could be the piece the Pacers have been looking for. Indiana is not afraid of big moves that can thrown the team for a loop. They signed Andrew Bynum and brought in Evan Turner so adding Rondo is not that farfetched. The Pacers need a game-changing scorer and Rondo is that player.
This move is merely speculation and a suggestion. The Celtics will remain quiet on Rondo's future down to the final minute. The Pacers are focused on beating the Miami Heat in the NBA playoffs. However, come the offseason, the point guard is a solid fit while Stephenson and West would be strong players in Boston.
