REPORT: CELTICS ENGAGED IN ‘SERIOUS’ RAJON RONDO TRADE DISCUSSIONS

Mavericks showing interest in Rajon Rondo

CSNE

A. SHERROD BLAKLEY

BOSTON - While no deal is imminent, trade rumors surrounding Boston's Rajon Rondo are starting to heat up with the Dallas Mavericks among those showing the greatest amount of interest thus far, league sources told CSNNE.com Wednesday night.

The Mavericks and their owner Marc Cuban have long held Rondo in high regard, knowing this might be their best shot at landing him in time to make a potentially deep playoff run in what's shaping up to be a wide open Western Conference with Golden State and Memphis leading the way.

In addition, adding Rondo would certainly enhance Dallas' chances of convincing him to sign a long-term deal with the Mavs this summer when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Brandan Wright and Jae Crowder were just a couple of names to possibly be included in the deal, but a source told CSNNE.com that the Celtics would be seeking "much more than that" either in the form of better players (Monta Ellis?), draft picks or a third team entering the mix.

As you can see, there are a number of pieces that have to fall in place before a deal can get done, but one thing is clear: the Celtics (9-14) are far more open minded about life without the four-time all-star than ever.

Other than Boston's pursuit of Chris Paul a couple years ago when Paul (now with the Los Angeles Clippers) was in New Orleans, the Celtics have not been aggressive in potentially moving the 6-foot-1 guard.

After Boston's 109-92 win over Orlando, Rondo addressed the latest round of trade rumors involving him.

"It's a way of life since I been here," said Rondo who had a double-double of 13 points and 15 assists along with seven rebounds against the Magic. "It's part of it."

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REPORT: CELTICS ENGAGED IN ‘SERIOUS’ RAJON RONDO TRADE DISCUSSIONS

By WEEI

It was bound to come sooner or later, and sure enough, just days after free agents signed over the summer became eligible to be traded, Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo is reportedly on the market.

Talks of a trade involving Rondo have increased in recent days, according to Yahoo Sports columnists Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc Spears. To the surprise of nobody, Celtics president Danny Ainge is holding out for a hefty return, preferably from a Western Conference foe.

The Celtics are exhibiting a renewed willingness to pursue trade packages that include point guard Rajon Rondo, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

As much as ever in his nine seasons in Boston, the Celtics have left strong impressions with rival organizations that they're prepared to make a deal that includes Rondo, sources said. Boston has been engaged in discussions described as ‘serious in recent days, but no trade agreement is imminent.
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Sources: Celtics showing willingness to trade Rajon Rondo

By Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc Spears

Yahoo Sports

The Boston Celtics are exhibiting a renewed willingness to pursue trade packages that include point guard Rajon Rondo, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Rajon Rondo, 28, will be a free agent in July. (USAT)

As much as ever in Rondo's nine seasons in Boston, the Celtics have left strong impressions with rival organizations that they’re prepared to make a deal that includes him, sources said. Boston has been engaged in discussions described as “serious” in recent days, but no trade agreement is imminent.

Boston's asking price for Rondo remains "pretty high, probably higher than most want to pay," one league official told Yahoo.

The Celtics are weighing offers that include 2015 first-round draft picks for Rondo, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Several teams were exchanging proposals with Celtics general manager Danny Ainge on Wednesday.

Trade talks with Rondo have been focused more in the Western Conference than Eastern, sources said.

Boston has been consistently shopping forward Jeff Green, trying to acquire a package that includes a first-round draft pick, sources said. Rondo being available would suggest Ainge is prepared to undergo a deeper rebuilding project and push harder for the highest possible draft position in the 2015 NBA draft.

Rondo, 28, will be a free agent in July, and Boston has been reluctant to meet his hope for a maximum – or near max – contract extension. Boston has been pleased with rookie point guard Marcus Smart, and could decide to turn the team over to him in a post-Rondo era.

Rondo has averaged eight points, 10.6 assists and 7.5 rebounds a game this season.

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Of all the games Rondo has played with the Celtics, last night's was the best example of how he would need to play consistently with a developing team. He displayed a well-balanced game, he pushed the ball almost incessantly, and he enabled his teammates to a fairtheewell.

Sam

Sam,

Kind of sad. Rondo was the piston that energized the great Celtic teams from the 2007-2008 team to the break up a year ago.

I will have very fond memories of him even though I almost broke the television screen every night when he could not hit his free throws.

I think this is for real.......I think Rondo and Ainge were on the same page that without a real big free agent signing this summer, perhaps to quicken the pace of rebuilding they would do what the Red Sox tried to do with Lester, get an asset that can be turned into gold and try to resign Lester/Rondo next year.

I am going to miss the Cat!

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Sorry, Sam. If you are looking or hoping for consistency from Rondo after 9 years, that has been the one thing he has been very consistent in...inconsistency!

I like the guy a lot because he somewhat describes myself with the either all on or all off performances.

db