Celtics Trying to Move Rondo?

Rajon Rondon (left)/AP Images

Rumor has it that the Celtics may be trading Rondo.


By Matt Rose

Today, the “Big Three” clearly refers to Miami Heat starts LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. Long before the Heat, the Boston Celtics had their own nucleus of stars: Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett. When the Celtics acquired Allen and Garnett to supplement Pierce, they were immediate favorites in the East. The next three seasons included two appearances in the NBA Finals and one Championship. However, it was an unlikely star who proved to be the key to the success of the other three: Rajon Rondo. Now, the Celtics are aging, Allen and Garnett’s contracts are expiring, and Rajon Rondo’s value and volatile attitude forced him into the spotlight amidst trade rumors.

This is not the first time there has been speculation Rondo could be traded; he was mentioned in trade scenarios for Chris Paul in the off-season. This time, it seems more likely the Celtics will go through with the trade, as one player can only be placed on the market so many times before it adversely affects his play and relationship with the organization. SI.com first reported that the Celtics are “aggressively” trying to move Rondo. Later that day, Doc Rivers was quoted as follows: “I can say with almost 100 percent certainty he will be here with us when the season ends. I'm tired of this stuff. It's not fair,” (ESPN.com).

In reality, the Celtics need to make a move if they want to salvage both this season and the future. Rondo—a three-time All Star—is in the prime of his career, but he is not the type of player that can carry a team without a strong supporting cast. Rondo is arguably the best passer in the league; without Garnett and Allen on the perimeter he will be forced to take more shots and his shooting woes will be further exposed.

So who are some potential suitors for Rondo, should the Celtics choose to move him? Golden State has been mentioned several times, but they do not appear willing to move Stephen Curry. Denver does not need to make a move at this point with Ty Lawson, but they have the assets after the Carmelo Anthony trade. Rondo would thrive in a system where he is surrounded with shooters like Arron Afflalo, Danilo Gallinari, Al Harrington, and Rudy Fernandez. The Nuggets could add a premier point guard and the Celtics could stock up for the future.

Two other scenarios: The Bucks work out a deal to flip Brandon Jennings, who wants to play in a big market. If the Celtics can acquire the Bucks’ pick they win big in this trade. They have a young and talented point guard whose scoring ability can carry a team, and an early first round pick to bolster their bench. Finally, a deal that sends Steve Nash to Boston and Rondo back to the Suns, who originally drafted him. It seems highly unlikely, as the Suns do not have the players to make that move, but it would be fun to watch Nash work with Pierce, Allen, and Garnett. Nash would have a chance to win his first ring and leave it all on the court to do so, and Pierce, Allen, and Garnett would relish the opportunity—knowing this is likely their last opportunity, too.

Whether he stays or goes, Boston needs to start planning for the future, which does not appear to involve Rajon Rondo.