FLASH - Deal close to send Rondo to Mavs

FLASH

ESPN
By Marc Stein | ESPN.com

The Boston Celtics are in the process of finalizing a deal to send Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks, according to league sources.

Sources tell ESPN.com that the Celtics and the Mavericks have an agreement in principle to send the All-Star point guard to the Dallas Mavericks for Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson and a future first- and second-round draft pick.

The possibility exists that other players will be added to the final deal, but sources indicated that Rondo to the Mavericks will be completed by the end of the night.

A source with knowledge of the trade talks say a "deal is on course to happen tonight."

Rondo would join Dirk Nowitzki, Monta Ellis, Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons in a high-octane starting five.

Rondo is in the final year of his contract. Rondo has left little doubt in recent months that he intends to test the market as a free agent in July. However, sources say Dallas, amid growing concern about its point guard play and sensing the opportunity to acquire a topflight player it has coveted for some time, is confident it could win over Rondo for the long term.

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