The Boston Celtics have trade pieces in Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green this season and teams like the LA Lakers, Houston Rockets, NY Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, LA Clippers or Chicago Bulls could be interested in one of those names at the deadline, as they are both heading towards free agency and Danny Ainge will have to make major decisions on whether to keep the players.
Rondo is one of the top names to watch this season, as the Celtics have reportedly been on both sides of the fence when it comes to trading the point guard. Ainge has said in public that he hopes to sign Rondo to an extension or a new contract and that likely means not trading the point guard, But according to Pro Basketball Talk, execs around the league feel that Ainge will make a move because he "has to" trade Rondo over the risk of losing him for nothing as a free agent.
Pro Basketball Talk reports that Green will have a number of suitors as well this offseason, as he has a player option and is expected to opt out. The deal is for about $9 million, but reports say that Green could get much more on the market and that his interest rivals that of Rondo. Green has been developing each season and he has been putting up solid numbers and he is a player that can be a strong piece on a winning team. Rondo will be the main target, but snagging Green would be a major prize as well and watch for teams like the Cavs and Clippers to check in on him, reports Marc Stein.
The Celtics are 4-10 after 14 games this season and they are not even totally out of it in the down eastern conference, but they are likely not a playoff team. Ainge and the Celtics are in rebuilding mode and while there is a chance of a quick turnaround, it is likely that it will take time and that could lead to a deal with Rondo. The Celtics have Marcus Smart and a number of other young players and they could look at building around that core while trading Rondo, or placing him in the center of it with a new deal.
Pro Basketball Talk reported earlier in the season that the Celtics would look at keeping Rondo and they also are planning on targeting Marc Gasol in free agency. The team will have cap space next summer and if they keep Rondo and get someone like Gasol or Greg Monroe, they should be in good position to bounce back in the east. The team could splurge on a player or two if it includes Rondo and that would be a fast way to rebuild.
No matter what, if Rondo hits the market he will be a prime target for teams like the NY Knicks, LA Lakers and Houston Rockets. Rondo will be the Kevin Love player this season, as he is the top player heading towards free agency and teams will be targeting him, even if the Celtics say they aren't trading him. The Celtics are ranked 10th in scoring this season and second in assists per game and they matchup next with the Atlanta Hawks.
