When the Houston Rockets missed out on Chris Bosh, the rumors started pouring in about pursuing Boston Celtics’ point guard Rajon Rondo. The Rockets haven't reached out to the Celtics as of yet, but many members of the media believe Houston doesn't possess the assets to acquire the Boston star.
Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald has heard from league sources that Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge was tough with the Rockets when they pursued Rondo back in February. Ainge’s stance hasn't changed concerning Rondo as he believes that the Celtics need to receive major players in return if they are going to trade their All-Star point guard.
“According to league sources, Danny Ainge has been pretty firm in the past on his need to get a major player in return for his All-Star point guard, and while the president of basketball operations has to realize Rondo’s impending 2015 free agency may change the game a bit, he is still under no time pressure to pull the trigger.
As opposed to Kevin Love, who told Minnesota he will opt out at the end of the coming season and leave if he is not dealt beforehand, Rondo consistently said he wants to remain with the Celtics. His view may change if the club is still treading water at the end of 2014-15, and there is no question the C’s will look heavily into trading him before then.”
The Celtics face a looming dilemma with Rondo as he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season. The Celtics' plan is to add talent around Rondo, but if they are unsuccessful they will have to consider trading their franchise player or risk him walking away for nothing.
It isn't unknown if or when the Rockets will reach out to the Celtics, but Boston could become more willing to part with the four-time All-Star the closer they get to the trade deadline. In February, the Celtics were rumored to be interested in Omer Asik and Chandler Parsons, neither of which are still on the Rockets' roster.
The 27-year-old Rondo has averaged 11.1 points, 8.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game over his eight-year career with the Celtics.
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