Three Potential Trade Destinations For Rajon Rondo
By Evan Massey
The Boston Celtics are heading into a very interesting offseason, and one piece that they have that could move is star point guard Rajon Rondo. There have been rumors about the Celtics trying to trade Rondo for the past three years, but this offseason would be the time that makes the most sense for them to deal him. If the Celtics do end up looking to trade him, there are three teams in particular that could and should make a deal for him.
1. Houston Rockets
The Rockets are coming off of a very disappointing 4-2 series loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, and could use one more piece in order to become legitimate championship contenders. They probably don’t necessarily have to pick up another superstar, but they have the assets to pull off a trade for Rondo. Houston could use a point guard that has experience with running a superstar oriented offense, and that is exactly what he’d be running with the Rockets. It certainly seems like the most interesting fit for both sides.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
A trade between the Celtics and Lakers involving Rondo wouldn’t be too terribly likely, especially due to the animosity between the two franchises. That being said, the Lakers do have some pieces that would intrigue the Celtics, and a draft pick that might just force Danny Ainge to pull the trigger. The Lakers are looking to make a trade for a superstar this offseason, and Rondo would make sense for the right price. There is no doubt that Kobe Bryant would be very pleased about a move to acquire Rondo.
3. Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers have been linked to Rondo many times in the past, and Larry Bird could look to make a major move this offseason. Starting point guard George Hill has not gotten the job done, and he could be a nice contract to exchange for Rondo. Indiana has plenty of young pieces to deal to Boston, and Bird has a great relationship with Ainge. It wouldn’t be too terribly surprising to see the Pacers make a run at Rondo this offseason to solidify their championship desire.
Overall, the Celtics are going to be very active in listening to offers for Rondo this offseason. There isn’t much of a future between the franchise and their former franchise point guard, but he won’t be traded just to make a move. The three teams mentioned above have major needs at point guard, and could very well decide to go all in for a superstar like Rondo.
Evan Massey is a Staff Writer for HoopsHabit.com. Follow Evan on Twitter at @Massey_Evan.