Rajon Rondo will either be traded this offseason in order to help rebuild the dismantled Boston Celtics, or he will be used as a cornerstone player to attract marquee free agents to the team. Celtics president Danny Ainge cannot seem to decide which one he is going with. With NBA Draft just weeks away, the Celtics must decide the direction to take the team with their first pick in the top ten. It appears a point guard is the priority which could hint towards Rondo's future.
The Boston Celtics have two first-round draft picks at No. 7 and No. 17. Now, the team could easily take those picks and trade them with two young assets for Kevin Love or they could draft for the future in anticipation of Rondo not returning. According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Celtics are leaning towards the later. A trade for Love is a long-shot at best. While the forward is confirming he will opt out of his contract and take on free agency in 2015, the Minnesota Timberwolves are not sold on the idea of trading him just yet. That leaves Boston to use their two picks and grab the future Rondo.
Mannix is reporting that Boston will either draft a point guard or a power forward at No. 7. The team is currently eyeing Connecticut senior Shabazz Napier who saw his stock rise thanks to an NCAA championship. Napier has several teams looking at him as a first-round pick which could pressure the Celtics into taking him at No. 7 instead of 17. The Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic and Timberwolves are all reportedly interested in the point guard as well and draft before the Celtics make their second pick.
Along with Napier, Marcus Smart and Tyler Ennis are also favorites at the position, but could easily be gone in first five picks depending on the approach of other teams. All three players would be excellent prospects to take over should Rondo get traded or opt out of this contract.
Currently, the All-Star point guard is getting attention from the Houston Rockets who are in desperate need of an upgrade at the position. If the Rockets can convince the Celtics to take on Jeremy Lin in a draft-day deal to get Rondo, then expect the Celtics to draft one of the prospects list.
The Celtics are also looking at forwards if their deal for Love falls through. Mannix reports the team has worked out Aaron Gordon and favors him with their first pick. They have also worked out Julius Randle, but favor the Arizona star instead. Boston has plenty of options in the draft. Fans can expect Ainge to explore his trade options involving both Rondo and Love before making a concrete decision.
