Rajon Rondo has been considered a trade target for the Sacramento Kings for a long time and now some internet reports and rumors have gone back and forth about the Boston Celtics and Kings working on a deal for the point guard and while both teams deny that a move is happening, Rondo has consistently come up in rumors and a team like the Houston Rockets also could be interested in making a move.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, FanSided and Twitter reports from Basketball Insiders, there were some rumors and chatter on the internet about the two sides working on a trade, but now BI has come out to say that both teams are "adamantly" denying that a deal is going down. Marc Stein wrote earlier in the offseason that Rondo would be a major target for teams, as he is heading towards free agency and the Celtics may want to deal him.
The Kings were mentioned in the Rondo trade rumors last year as well and now they could be looking to position themselves for a deal. While the reports now say that the two sides are not discussing a trade, this could lay the groundwork for a deal later in the season. The Kings would love to add Rondo as their point guard after losing Isaiah Thomas in free agency and while he may not make the team a championship contender, they could at least compete in the western conference with him and DeMarcus Cousins there.
The previous reports about a trade included a deal with Rondo for Ben McLemore and Derrick Williams going to the Celtics, while the Kings would get Rondo and likely another player. Rondo is heading towards free agency and unless the Celtics sign him to an extension, the trade rumors likely will persist. The NY Knicks have also been considered a target for Rondo and the Lakers could also make a move for him if he makes it to the free agent market next summer.
The Celtics dealing Rondo would likely not be about Rondo the player, but more about their plan and how they are building the team. If Boston doesn't think it will be a contender for a few more years, they may want to move Rondo for picks or players so that they can use the money he would get to continue building. Getting a player like McLemore would be essential in a deal with the Kings, as the Celtics want draft picks or young players to build around.
Last season Rondo came back from a serious injury and averaged 11 points and nearly 10 assists per game and he would be perfect for any team in need of a point guard. The Kings got a fantastic season with Thomas before he left, as he averaged 20 points and six assists while putting up career high numbers, but the Kings were bad once again. The Celtics have a major decision to make and the idea of whether to trade Rondo or sign him long term is a franchise altering decision that could be massive down the line. Rondo is looking to get max money and if the Celtics don't give it to him, there are plenty of teams that will line up to do so.
