20 best NBA Draft trades ever
By John Buhler
7. Rajon Rondo from Phoenix Suns to Boston Celtics.
In one of the better draft day steals of all-time, the Celtics were able to pry away Kentucky Wildcats point guard Rajon Rondo’s draft rights from the Suns for a 2007 first-round pick Phoenix would ultimately trade to Portland.
Rondo went from the No. 21 overall pick of the Suns in the 2006 NBA Draft to helping Celtics win an NBA Championship in his second season in the league. While Boston formed a big three with Allen, Garnett, and Pierce, Rondo’s play in two NBA Finals (2008, 2010) made it a big four with the Celtics.
Rondo would make four NBA All-Star teams and was an elite defensive player in his prime with the Celtics. After general manager Danny Ainge began an inevitable rebuilding process after the 2012 NBA season, Rondo remained as the Celtics’ lone star.
Ainge would then ship him to the Dallas Mavericks in a lopsided deal that helped the Celtics get starting small forward Jae Crowder. Rondo busted horribly in Dallas playing for head coach Rick Carlisle. He now forms an interesting pick-and-roll partnership on the Sacramento Kings with fellow Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins. Though still a productive player, Boston extracted the most out of Rondo during his nine seasons with the Celtics.
Next: 6. Kawhi Leonard from Indiana Pacers to San Antonio Spurs.