The Boston Celtics sold the farm this offseason by trading Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets and after some initial rumors about paint guard Rajon Rondo getting dealt to the Detroit Pistons, Danny Ainge said the star wouldn't be traded, but after the dust settled in free agency around the league, both teams should take a second look at a deal that could include Andre Drummond.
Earlier this offseason the Pistons tried to make a play at both Rondo and Rudy Gay with a combination of Brandon Knight as well as the expiring contracts of Charlie Villanueva and Rodney Stuckey, but after the talks fell apart, both sides cooled on the deal. According to Bleacher Report, the Pistons and Celtics should reconsider making a deal for Rondo, as the report says that both sides could benefit from the trade, even after Joe Dumars called budding star Andre Drummond untouchable.
The Pistons already made one big move this offseason by signing Josh Smith to a free agent contract from the Hawks for four-years and over $50 million and after bringing back Chauncey Billups as well, Dumars has the chance to reshape the roster and turn the franchise back into a playoff contender in the East. The Pistons have a young roster, but if they can somehow add Rondo, they would be looked at as a prime contender for the playoffs and although Boston loves their point guard, it's going to be a tough few years with Brad Stevens and it might be better to go fully all in on this season as a bad one, giving them the chance to get Andrew Wiggins as the number one pick next season.
Drummond was called untouchable for Dumars and the Pistons, but any player can be had for the right price and if the team really wants Rondo, they may throw Knight in a deal with Drummond to bring him over. Drummond may become an elite talent later down the line, but Rondo is already an NBA champion and that is something the Pistons can't deny. They at least have a big man already in Greg Monroe that is seen as very talented and while they would hate to see Drummond go, bringing Rondo back makes up for it.
The original talk had the Pistons looking to deal Knight for Rondo, but the Celtics wanted Drummond, meaning the Pistons would have a good chance of pulling off that deal now if he wanted to. Drummond is just 23, but Monroe showed some fantastic potential by averaging 16 points and nearly 10 rebounds last season, while Drummond was at about eight each per game. While they may see more potential in Drummond, adding Rondo to a team that already has Monroe and Smith could be a tough team to face.
Rondo is coming off of a serious knee injury and averaged 13.7 points, 11.1 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 38 games last season and while the Celtics don't want to trade him, that might be the best option going forward. The Pistons could try to add the expiring contracts of Charlie Villanueva and Rodney Stuckey in the deal and that is something they explored earlier this offseason with the Raptors and Rudy Gay, who has averaged over 18 points per game during his career. The Pistons almost used the amnesty clause on Villanueva, but instead they kept him, presumably to work on another trade deal. While this move is unlikely, it could be an option for the Pistons as they try for a quick turnaround in the East this season.
