Celtics Rondo wants to stay in Boston

According to ESPN, Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo wishes to stay with the Celtics through what looks to be a full rebuild entering this season.

Rando had this to say on the subject, per ESPN:

"I love it here. The fans are great here. And [president of basketball operations] Danny [Ainge] has been straightforward with me. This is my team. Why would I want to leave? Why would I want out?"

This offseason, the Celtics made a major step towards rebuilding by trading away aging stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Nets, and head coach Doc Rivers to the Los Angeles Clippers. I was believed that the talented Rondo would rather play for a contender than stick with with the retooling Celtics.

"I never really backed away from a challenge. This would be a challenge. I’m looking forward to working with coach [Brad] Stevens. It’s a brand new start for us as a team. A lot of new players and a lot of young guys willing to listen, so I’m very excited about that."

Rondo still has two years and $24.9 million on his contract with the Celtics. President Danny Ainge has said he has no intention of trading his remaining star player, even though he missed the last 38 regular-season games of last season with an ACL injury.

After being hired, new head coach Brad Stevens made a point of connecting with the point guard.

According to Rondo, there was an immediate connection, per ESPN:

"Me and Brad have become best friends. We talk every day, we laugh and joke, we just had dinner the other night. I’m going to help him, he’s going to help me. He has my full support, and I told him from day one when he came to my camp [in Louisville for their first meeting in July], I’m 100 percent behind him."

The team has not set a definitive timeline for Rondo’s return, but Ainge has hinted it could be in December.