The Boston Celtics aren't about to give Rajon Rondo away, but listening to president of basketball operations Danny Ainge speak you get the distinct impression the All-Star guard could be had for the right price.
For months now, the 28-year-old veteran guard has been rumored to be headed everywhere from Houston to New York to Phoenix in deals all rumored to be part of Ainge's master plan to expedite the Celtics' rebuilding effort.
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"That's all speculation," Ainge told the Boston Herald. "We love Rondo, and Rondo loves us. We don't feel like there's pressure that we have to do something or there's some sort of deadline that something has to get done by."
Yet, in the same breath, Ainge adds of all the chatter "well, listen, every year is different." After finishing this season at 25-57, the Celtics can only hope that dynamic holds true. And while Ainge knows in the short- term having Rondo around might make achieving goal easier for Celts, he's got to keep his eye on the big picture.
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"I've said many times, Rondo's going to have the best year of his career next year," said Ainge. "I truly believe that. I mean, he looks great right now. He's in the workout room every day. He's shed his knee brace. He looks like the young Rajon. You know, he's back. His athleticism is completely back. He's stronger than ever, shooting better than ever."
And still Ainge knows a core of Rondo, Jared Sullinger, Avery Bradley and Jeff Green won't hardly be enough to legitimately compete with the likes of LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the East.
It all makes for a season if speculation and uncertainty in Boston.
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