Some things just won’t go away.
That nagging pain in your neck after doing weighted pull-ups while trying to watch Gossip Girl at the same time. Gnats at an outdoor marshmallow-roasting party in July. Drunk “scene” kids at a Cold Play concert. And last, but certainly not least, Rajon Rondo trade rumors.
With the Celtics tanking, the point guard’s future has been up in the air. He’s not going to sign an extension before hitting free agency in 2015. Why would he? Going on 28, it’s best he keep his options open. Free agency gives him the opportunity to leave if the Celtics aren’t in a position to win.
Boston’s front office has to understand that. General manager Danny Ainge is hoarding first-round draft picks like they’re made of gold. Or cookie dough. But he cannot guarantee Rondo, or anyone else, this is going to be a quick rebuild. A little over a year from now, when Rondo’s 29 thinking about 30, he may not want to stick around knowing the Celtics are another season or two (or more) away from contention.
Which brings us to the influx of rumors. Some people thought Boston would move him by the Feb. 20 trade deadline; other people thought those people were crazy.
While a scenario in which the Celtics deal Rondo this season is well short of “crazy,” it seems unlikely. Rondo hasn’t played great since returning from an ACL injury—which is to be expected—and if Ainge was going to trade him at a discount, it would have been while he was still recovering. Conventional wisdom suggests that if they move him, it will be later on, after he’s had an opportunity to increase his price tag.
But, per to WEEI.com’s Ben Rohrbach, Ainge continues to field calls regarding Rondo’s availability and hasn’t exactly ruled out trading him:
Ainge on Rondo: "Yeah [I'm getting calls], but I think everybody's sort of fishing right now. I don't think they're anticipating anything."
— Ben Rohrbach (@brohrbach) January 30, 2014
Ainge says teams are hoping to land Rondo at a bargain. Certainly didn't rule out dealing him. "I don't think there's anything serious yet."
— Ben Rohrbach (@brohrbach) January 30, 2014
The “yet” part in that last tweet gets me a little bit. Not in a Celtics-will-definitely-trade-Rondo sort of way; it’s more of it’s-definitely-possible-the-Celtics-move-Rondo-this-season kind of thing. And if we’re being honest, that’s really nothing new.
Rondo has meandered in and out of rumors for years now. His name has frequented speculation ranks since 2011, when the lockout ended. Now of all times, when the Celtics aren’t sure whether he’ll stay beyond next season and are attempting to plan for their future, is not when they’re going to rule it out.
What’s notable here is Ainge admitting teams are trying to pick him up at a discount. Though his on-court value isn’t what it once was at the moment, there’s little incentive for Boston to sell low this season. Ainge can always do that next year, when Rondo’s on an expiring contract and isn’t guaranteed to re-sign with his new team, if he’s not blown away by an offer now.
Selling low only becomes a legitimate possibility if Rondo asks for out. Players usually have a list of preferred destinations at that point, and with Rondo being a flight risk less than two years from now, the Celtics’ options would be limited.
For now, Ainge can continue to play it cool, like he always does. Deflect but never deny. Continue to field phone calls and if nothing blows him away, then nothing has to happen.
Interested teams, however, should consider the point man fair game, provided they understand Ainge and the Celtics aren’t going to bend over in negotiations unless Rondo exerts leverage and starts pulling strings.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com.
