Trade Deadline: Rondo Could Change a Franchise
Approximately 15 hours before the trade deadline, and the Celtics are definitely in rebuild mode.
If Danny Ainge is serious about building through the draft and acquiring younger assets, could they possibly trade their current centerpiece and new captain, Rajon Rondo?
This idea isn't unheard of; there's been a handful of trade rumors surrounding the All-Star point guard.
Rondo has only played 10 games and is coming off an ACL injury, averaging 9.8 points shooting 42% from the field, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in only 27.2 minutes. He's not 100%, but he could be a missing piece to a team trying to contend for a title.
Here are teams that could definitely use Rondo to advance to the next level:
Houston Rockets
A true point guard running pick-and-roll with Dwight? Imagine a Rondo, Harden, Parsons, T Jones, and Dwight lineup. Possibly the best starting five in the NBA right now. Also, Rondo would have a field day with the amount of assists he would get from these guys. In addition, he could do what he does best on defense: gamble for steals with a big man in Dwight to back him up and block shots. Of course, that starting five probably wouldn't be the same, as Boston's asking price is pretty high. So, it's unlikely to happen due to both teams being stingy. Bummer. This trade would make the Rockets serious contenders come play offs.
Sacramento Kings
This picture pretty much sums up the franchise as a whole right now. DeMarcus Cousins is a force to be reckoned with, once he gets his head straight. I'm not too sure if Rondo could straighten him out, and I'll go out on a limb and say he wouldn't. But imagine this line up: Rondo, McLemore, Gay, Williams/Landry, Cousins. Sounds great on paper, doesn't it? High potential, and Rondo is headed into his prime as well. Supposedly, Sacramento offered Isaiah Thomas, McLemore and two picks for Rondo, but some sources say Rondo wouldn't re-sign.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are currently 29-25, good enough to be third in the weaker Eastern Conference. Still, DeMar DeRozan is averaging 22.3 points on 42.8% from the field, 4.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals. He was even in the MVP conversation. I'm sure if the Raptors were to get Rondo, they would give up assets such as Lowry, picks, and who knows what else? The Celtics seem to overvalue most of their players. Rondo/DeRozan/T Ross/Johnson/Valanciunas is a pretty solid lineup. Watching these guys in transition would be entertaining, and come play off time, Rondo would be extremely valuable to this younger team. Not to mention T Ross is a monster.
In all honesty, I don't think Rondo will be dealt by the end of the deadline. Come the off-season, maybe. This is what makes the trade deadline so exciting!
Stay tuned, folks!