Most Boston Celtics fans would not be pleased if Rajon Rondo was traded, but that does not mean it won’t happen. Rondo is the only piece remaining from Boston’s 2008 championship team, and he is currently team president Danny Ainge’s most valuable player — both in terms of skill and what he could bring back in a potential trade.
According to the NY Daily News, multiple general managers around the NBA believe the Celtics will be looking to deal Rondo either at the February trade deadline or closer to the NBA Draft after the season ends. He returned to action on Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers after recovering from a torn ACL.
[Related: Knicks reportedly hoping to land Rajon Rondo]
Ainge is clearly focused on stockpiling draft picks, as evidenced by the recent three-team trade that sent Jordan Crawford and MarShon Brooks to the Golden State Warriors with the Celtics picking up two more draft picks. They currently have 17 picks over the next five seasons, and Rondo could bring another first rounder if he proves he is fully recovered.
Rondo has already gotten a taste of championship basketball, so it seems unlikely that he will want to stick around for the type of rebuilding project the Celtics have taken on. He has one year and $13 million remaining on his contract after this season. Rookie head coach Brad Stevens might be better off starting from scratch with a player who is less established. Ainge has to know that.
