No matter how many times Danny Ainge denies the reports, trade rumors will not leave Rajon Rondo alone. The point guard will likely face reports of negotiations until he becomes a free agent and signs a new contract and even then, people will still consider him trade bait. The Boston Celtics have repeatedly denied the availability of Rondo, but the Sacramento Kings are not letting that stop them from putting together a big package deal.
Accing to Onchie Ebriega at the Latino Post, the Kings are preparing to offer a blockbuster trade package in exchange for Rondo. This will include Isaiah Thomas, Ben McLemore, Marcus Thornton, Jason Thompson and two first-round draft picks. That is certainly a blockbuster deal as the Celtics would be getting a ton of youth in exchange for the point guard.
So far, Ainge has given no indications that he is looking to cut ties with Rondo. The point guard was all that was left after Boston dismantled last season sending Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry packing. Rondo likely stayed because he was still injured at the time, rehabbing a torn ACL. Not only is Ainge going on the defense denying any trade report with the Kings, he is saying there is literally no fact to it at all.
"Rondo is coming off an injury and I think people know how much we love Rondo, so I don't expect anybody to inquire, quite honestly," Ainge said, via the Boston Globe. "People know that Rondo is a big part of our future and that we're not going to trade him. Guys that are starting All-Star players just don't come around. The special players, the transcendent players in our league, are very difficult to find and acquire. We believe Rondo is one of those guys. He's a very special player. We value him a great deal."
Ainge has been consistent saying Rondo is the player the team intends on building around. The deal is certainly tempting and fits the Celtics' plan to stockpile talent for the future. Both Thomas and McLemore have a tremendous amount of talent for their young age and could help develop a core of youth for Boston. Also getting draft picks would help in what is to be a very promising draft class.
However, no matter the package, Ainge is not looking to send the two-time assist champion packing. He has every intention of holding onto Rondo until he cannot anymore. The denial of trading Rondo does not mean the Celtics will not explore other options. The team is still reportedly in the mix for Omer Asik if the right trade is presented.
