With Kevin Love officially traded, the biggest question mark leading up to the 2014 NBA season is the future of Rajon Rondo. There have been a thousand rumors regarding the point guard as his contract with the Boston Celtics is set to expire at the end of the season. If available, almost every team in the league will explore their chances of being able to acquire Rondo much like they did with Love. As the point guard remains quiet about his intentions regarding free agency, the Celtics are left to prepare for all options.
According to Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com, the Celtics are keeping a trade of Rondo on the table, but the cost to get him is very high. Boston has operated under the notion that everyone is available at the right cost and that stands true for Rondo as well. The question remains whether or not a team is willing to give up a lot to get Rondo now or at the mi-year deadline.
Kyler believes the Celtics are concerned that until Rondo figures out his future, other free agents will not want to sign with the team. Without the point guard, Boston is pretty unimpressive. The team is set up well for trades with a number of assets along with draft picks. However, their first priority is getting Rondo signed while adding other free agents to the mix. That may or may not be possible while Rondo remains quiet on his future.
This is leading Boston to keep a potential trade on the table for Rondo. Most recently, Kyler linked the Indiana Pacers to being the best landing spot for the point guard. The Pacers are trying not to tank the season following the loss of Paul George and appear willing to deal Roy Hibbert at the right price. A player swap of Rondo and the center could be ideal for both teams.
The Houston Rockets remain an option for Rondo, but likely only in free agency and not a trade. The Rockets failed to really address the point guard situation in free agency after dealing away Jeremy Lin. They were looking to add one more super star to the roster in hopes of bettering their chances in the playoffs, but missed out on everyone this summer. A trade of Rondo would certainly make the Rockets the best in the West, but does the team have all that is needed to get a deal locked down?
All signs point to Rondo starting the season with Boston. However, if the point guard gives any indication that he has not intentions of staying with the Celtics, expect a deal to be put together during the mid-year trade deadline.
