The Houston Rockets have been in talks with the Boston Celtics before, when the Omer Asik trade talks fell through back in late 2013. But it appears that the Rockets must have liked the experience of talking with the Celtics as they’re back for more in a bigger, badder way.
According to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein, the Rockets are very interested in acquiring the services of Rajon Rondo and may end up making a push for him in the 11th hour.
Sources familiar w/Rockets' thinking say HOU has absolute interest in trading for Rajon Rondo. But that alone doesn't mean we'll see a deal
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 19, 2014
Close relationship between Danny Ainge and Daryl Morey means talks are always easy to fire up but Celts' demands for Rondo are very high
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 19, 2014
Celtics got a first for Doc Rivers and multiple firsts for Pierce/KG, as covered today on Stein Line Live. For Rondo they'll want even more
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 19, 2014
As Stein points out, the asking price for Rondo is insanely high and likely purposefully so. Still, the Rockets want Rondo and they may end up making run at him with some of the trade chips they have — not that any are likely good enough to get a deal done.