Boston Celtics to deal Rajon Rondo, replace him with Marcus Smart?

Boston Celtics’ point guard Rajon Rondo reportedly asked for a trade but both Rondo’s camp and the Celtics have denied the report and continue to say they want to work out a long-term deal. However, most believe the Celtics will still trade Rondo.

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Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders thinks the Celtics should deal Rondo and believes they have his replacement in the sixth-overall pick in the first round of this year’s draft, former Oklahoma State Cowboys’ point guard Marcus Smart.

"No. I think he will be traded. The team is clearly rebuilding – they even have Rondo’s replacement on the roster in Marcus Smart – and I think they’ll move him for young assets and first-round picks. Rondo is turning 29 years old in February, so he’s ready to win now and I can’t see him re-signing with Boston when he hits unrestricted free agency next summer. I think he would prefer to go somewhere he can win right away, rather than waiting for all of the Celtics’ young guys to develop. I love what Boston has done stockpiling picks and prospects, but I can’t see Rondo being patient with their rebuild at his age. Moving him is the best option because they can get something back for him rather than losing him for nothing next summer."

Trading Rondo makes sense. That way the Celtics can build around their young core and acquire more assets while Rondo wouldn’t have to wait out a rebuilding process. It seems like the best move for both parties.

Last season, Rondo averaged 11.7 points, 9.8 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 40.3% from the field, 28.9% from beyond the arc and 62.7% from the free throw line. Rondo has averaged 11.1 points, 8.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 47.5% from the floor, 25.2% from three and 62.1% from the free throw line in his eight-year NBA career. Smart averaged 18.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game last season and shot 42.2% from the field, 29.9% from beyond the arc and 72.8% from the charity stripe for the Cowboys last season.

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