The Boston Celtics are hoping to be very active in trade discussion for Kevin Love. The team has already reportedly offered up Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger to the Minnesota Timberwolves prior to the NBA Draft. However, with multiple teams getting into the mix for the All-Star forward, what will the Boston Celtics do for a backup plan? A trade for Rajon Rondo could be the result.
According to Steve Bulpett of the BostonHerald.com, the Celtics will trade Rondo if they fail to secure a deal for Love. The point guard is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2015 and if the team cannot land a marquee free agent this year, Rondo will not look to re-sign. That will leave Boston with nothing to show for the point guard. They will look to trade him before it is too late.
Bulpett reports that the Celtics have indeed offer Green and Sullinger, plus a first-round pick this year which could include either the No. 6 or No. 17 pick. They also own two more first round picks received from the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers in a later draft that could be included in the deal in hopes of letting go less assets.
It is unclear where Boston's offer ranks for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Golden State Warriors have offer Klay Thompson and David Lee while the Chicago Bulls have put Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson on the table for the taking. Minnesota has plenty of options and while Green is a great player, Thompson or Gibson rank over Sullinger. However, Boston has better draft picks to offer Minnesota, which could sway the Timberwolves in their direction.
If a deal for Love fails, Rondo could be gone before the season starts or during the mid-year trading period. Several teams are in search of a star point guard and could strike a deal with the Celtics. The team will be wise to not be outrageous with their price tag on the veteran knowing that he will not re-sign no matter what. The Los Angeles Lakers will be in play, searching for a replacement to Steve Nash. The New York Knicks will be an option if they fail to sign either Kyle Lowry or Eric Bledsoe. The Indiana Pacers are also reportedly interested in Rondo as well, looking for that final piece of the puzzle to Eastern Conference dominance.
At 28, Rondo wants to win another championship sooner rather than later. ProBasketball.com is reporting that the point guard will be seeking a winning team should the Celtics fail to acquire Love or another strong asset that could put Boston in winning contention again.
