During the preseason, the Houston Rockets had a competition going for their starting point guard position. Currently in possession of Jeremy Lin, Patrick Beverley also looked very impressive in his second year. Head coach Kevin McHale settled on a rotation with both point guards sharing the starting role, but an injury to Beverley allowing Lin to flex his muscles and impress no the court. With Beverley scheduled to return to the court, the Lin trade rumors are once again in full swing.
Beverley was on fire at the start of the year, starting 24 of his 25 games before getting injured. He then suffered a fractured hand in December, allowing Lin to take his place and play extremely well. However, Yahoo Sports is reporting that Beverley will return to the lineup against the Portland Trail Blazers and could possibly start. This sends Lin to the bench.
"Lin's communicating and scoring is really good for that group. That's why I want to get back to that. I thought that was some of the best basketball we have played this year. Getting back to that should be really good for us," McHale said, via the Houston Chronicle.
The Rockets are 16-8 with Beverley as the starter and 11-7 when Lin starts. His success this season has sparked several trade rumors, but Houston has kept the point guard since Beverley was out of the lineup. Now, a deal could be back on and the Boston Celtics are the first target.
CBSSports.com reports that most NBA general managers expect Rajon Rondo to be traded after he returned to the court following an ACL injury. Rondo's status with the Celtics has always been in question ever since the team dismantled in the offseason, but now reports appear more serious as Boston seeks a deal either before the deadline or the 2014 NBA Draft.
The New York Daily News brings up the trade package that would send both Lin and center Omer Asik to Boston in exchange for Rondo who is just getting his footing back. Asik has been trade bait just as much as Lin has been this season. The disgruntled center wants to be a starter once again after his spot was taken by Dwight Howard.
The value appears fair for both teams. The Celtics get two young and emerging players that also have expiring contracts after next season. The Rockets get a proven point guard to complete their All-Star roster. However, does Houston need Rondo? Of course the point guard is regarded as one of the best, but McHale seems pleased with the work of the Lin and Beverley combo.
There is a very good chance that no one goes anywhere come the deadline. Rondo was expected to be traded a long time ago and nothing happened. Do not count on this time being any different.
