Boston Celtics rumors: Rajon Rondo trade coming?
It looked like the Boston Celtics were in pursuit of veteran and use their two first round picks to do just that.
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Instead, the Celtics used the sixth-overall selection on former Oklahoma State Cowboys’ point guard Marcus Smart and the 17th-overall selection on former Kentucky Wildcats’ swingman James Young.
They reportedly were also the first to call Sacramento Kings’ restricted free agent point Isaiah Thomas.
Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders believes all signs are pointing to a Rajon Rondo trade.
"I’ve heard that they want multiple first-round picks and attractive young assets. That’s what they were asking for at the trade deadline last year and I hear that they would want a similar package if they were to trade him this summer. I’m really curious to see what happens with Rondo. The fact that Boston drafted Marcus Smart and then contacted Isaiah Thomas at 12:01 last night is strange to me, and makes me think a Rondo trade may be coming."
If the Celtics truly want to build around Smart, Young and other young talent like bigs Kelly Olynyk and Jared Sullinger, it may be in their best interest to deal Rondo. Of course, if they still think they can land a star like Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kevin Love, you have to keep Rondo as a way to help convince other free agents to join the Love/Rondo combination.
Rondo was limited just 30 games while returning from his ACL injury and averaged 11.7 points, 9.8 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He shot 40.3% from the field, 28.9% from beyond the arc and 62.7% from the free throw line.