Word broke today from Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski that the Boston Celtics have begun to engage in serious discussions to trade guard Rajon Rondo. While Rondo has been in trade rumors for years, Wojnarowski says that Boston has "left strong impressions with rival organizations that they're prepared to make a deal that includes him".
It's no secret that the Kings have been hot for Rondo ever since new ownership took over, being connected to him several times over the past couple years. Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix added fuel to the fire today with this tweet:
Word around the league is that Boston has been making some initial calls on Rondo, not the other way. Team to keep an eye on: Sacramento.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) December 17, 2014However the Dallas Mavericks appear to be the most serious suitor for Rondo's services. Wojnarowski makes specific mention of them in his piece but ESPN's Marc Stein reports that Dallas has engaged in serious discussions with Boston on a deal that would send center Brandan Wright and multiple picks to Boston. Stein also mentions that Boston has had conversations with the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings, but as of now, the most advanced discussions have been with Dallas.
Rajon Rondo is one of the best passing Point Guards in the NBA, averaging 10.6 assists a game this year and averaged over 11 assists a game from 2010 to 2013. While Rondo would undoubtedly increase the talent level of any team that acquired him, there's an inherent risk in trading for him since he is set to be an unrestricted free agent after this season and can opt to go elsewhere. There have been persistent rumors that Rondo would not want to re-sign in Sacramento, but Sacramento's front office is incredibly aggressive and could be willing to gamble on Rondo's friendship with Rudy Gay and pairing with a young rising star in DeMarcus Cousins.
As of now, no trade for Rondo appears close, and the Kings lack the assets (namely future picks) that would make a trade appealing for Boston. Danny Ainge is a very patient manager and will seek to get the most value he can out of Rondo and there's plenty of time until the trade deadline in February.