The Boston Celtics may look at a Rajon Rondo trade this season as the PG heads into free agency and teams like the Houston Rockets, LA Lakers, NY Knicks, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons all could be in the mix to trade for the star, as recent reports have him wanting out of Boston and if he is not traded this year, he likely will leave next summer as a free agent.
Rondo is now the top trade option in the NBA after Kevin Love was traded and this comes as reports came out this summer that the Sacramento Kings were interested in making a deal. According to Pro Basketball Talk, Rondo wants out of Boston and this comes by way of reporter Jackie McMullen, who said that Rondo is not looking to sign an extension and could be the next Kevin Love type deal to go down. The Celtics have Rondo after his ACL surgery and while they want to sign him, they also want to see if he can remain healthy for a season and whether he will be part of the rebuilding process.
The team hasn't signed him to an extension and he likely will want to wait to do that anyway, as he can get a ton of money on the free agent market if he makes it there. According to ESPN.com reporter Marc Stein, the Houston Rockets and the Pacers could be interested in making a deal, but if the celtics ask for too much (like many expect) there is a good chance that Rondo ends up on the free agent market. If Rondo makes it there, many teams could go after him, including the Knicks and Lakers when they have more money, as well as the Kings and Rockets.
Reports earlier this summer had the Kings and Celtics working on a deal for Rondo, but those rumors had water put on them fairly quickly after they came out. Rondo had a solid season while playing in 30 games last year, averaging over 10 points and nearly as many assists and now he is coming back into the season hoping to stay healthy for the duration. The Celtics drafted Marcus Smart this year and he could be the points guard of the future if Rondo is moved, as he is a versatile and athletic player from Oklahoma State and also played point guard with the Cowboys.
The Timberwolves got a great package for Love and the Celtics may have to work hard to get one like that for Rondo, as teams may not be willing to give up high picks if he won't agree to sign an extension. The Rockets have long coveted Rondo, while the Knicks will have more money to spend and they reportedly are interested in Rondo as well. The Lakers will have cash money to spend and Steve Nash will be off the books next summer as well. The Pacers have long wanted to upgrade over George Hill and after losing Paul George they could try something drastic to try and replace him.
