Potentially the biggest name on the trading block heading into the 2014-15 NBA season is point guard Rajon Rondo. The rumors have run rampant about Rondo’s future with the Boston Celtics seemingly open to the idea of dealing their star floor general elsewhere.
— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “All LIN For LA” T-Shirts? —
GM Danny Ainge talked about Rondo’s future and didn’t rule out the possibility of trading the one-time NBA champion, via Bill Doyle of the Worchester Telegram & Gazette:
Ainge on if he'd trade Rondo: “The truthful answer is I really don’t know.I have no intention. I’m not trying to trade Rondo."
— Bill Doyle (@BillDoyle15) September 22, 2014
Ainge also let it be known that Rondo is not untradeable, via Doyle:
Ainge also said about Rondo:: The possibility of a trade is not out of the question. Nobody is untradeable, but I don’t see that happening.
— Bill Doyle (@BillDoyle15) September 22, 2014
With Kevin Love now in Cleveland, it is possible trade rumors involving Rondo will ramp up. Teams around the league looking for the final piece to the championship puzzle may try to acquire Rondo, but it remains uncertain what teams are interested in a potential deal.
In all likelihood, the veteran probably won’t be dealt until the trade deadline on Feb. 19. Trade scenarios could start to emerge if the Celtics struggle right out of the gate next season.
Fortunately for Boston, drafting Marcus Smart may give the Celtics some security at the position. The team selected Smart with the sixth overall pick last June. Smart is considered to be one of the top tier point guards coming out of college and could be an ideal replacement for Rondo if he’s dealt.
As for the Los Angeles Lakers, the team seems content with the recently acquired Jeremy Lin. Although Lin could secure his long-term future in Los Angeles with solid first season, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to hear rumors of the Lakers showing interest in Rondo.
[divide]Kobe Bryant’s Big Drop In Sports Illustrated’s 2014 NBA Player Rankings