[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

I’m a Celtics fan, and for a while now I have been waiting for Ainge to pull the trigger on Rondo. I know they were hoping for Kevin Love, and maybe they still figure out a way to get him. With Thorton’s expiring contract, they now have the ability to absorb two more bad contracts from the Wolves, but if the Wolves think they can get Wiggins, they won’t consider any other deals (By the way, imagine if Wiggins and Lavine on the same team). Even with Love, they are not a top four team in the East (Pacers, Bulls, Cavs, Heat?, Raptors?, Pistons?, Knicks?). I like the Rondo-Love duo, but Green is not consistent enough to be the third wheel on a contender. 

Even with Rondo coming off of injuries, I think Rondo’s market was at its peak at the trade deadline this year. I keep playing with the trade machine to figure out teams who might want him, and I am coming up with fewer and fewer teams. The Bulls, Hornets, Cavs, Raptors, Wizards, Nuggets, Warriors, Clippers, Thunder, Suns, Blazers, and Spurs already have the point guard they want. Rondo does not fit the offensive systems of the Hawks or Knicks. Rebuilding teams like the Magic, Bucks, Sixers, and Jazz won’t want him. 

That leaves the Nets, Pacers, Pistons, Lakers, Heat, Mavs, Rockets, Grizzles, Pelicans, Wolves, and Kings. 

Unless, Ainge is stupid, and he isn’t, he won’t trade with the Nets, Lakers, or Heat because they don’t have enough assets (high 1st round draft picks, young prospects, productive vets on reasonable contracts, etc.)

I think Rondo would be a great fit next to Z-Bo and Gasol, but I think the Grizz really like Conley. I also think that Rondo would push the Pelicans into the playoffs in the west, but I don’t think they will want to give up Holliday so Rondo can start. Finally, the Wolves would be stupid to trade Rubio for Rondo. Rubio is a younger player and blossoming into just as good of a passer. 

That leaves the Pacers, Pistons, Mavs, Rockets, and Kings. 

As a Celtics fan, I really don’t want Jennings. I can’t see Ainge taking him back as a key piece in a deal for Rondo, but that is what would probably have to happen. The Pistons could sign-and-trade Monroe and Bynum for Rondo and Bass. I like how the Celtics would look offensively with a core of Olynyk, Smart, and Monroe. The Pistons then have two starting point guard who can’t really play together. I think Stan would rather sign-and-trade Monroe for a wing shooter and future draft picks. Some variation of this trade could happen, but it just doesn’t seem like a perfect fit. 

If I’m the Pacers, I’m looking at the East and saying, "Lebron to the Cavs may make another playoff team, but the top of the East is a little lighter. We won the first seed last year. Who is stopping us this year?" I might have let Stephenson walk if Lebron stayed in Miami, but with the top of the East getting a little weaker, I think you have to take advantage and bring your core back from last year. Again, before Lebron’s decision, I thought a Stephenson for Rondo deal might work for both teams, but now, I think the Pacers try to stand pat. And I don’t think they have the pieces to trade for Rondo without Stephenson being included. 

The Rockets chose not to resign Parsons expressly so they could continue to be players for big fish. Here’s the problem: they have gutted themselves of middling salaries on their roster. They have none left. They have a few nice pieces in Jones, Cannan, Motiejunas, and Capella, but each of those players are on late first round rookie contracts. They would need one more mid-level contract in order to be able to get Rondo, which means they can’t be players for the forseeable future. 

The Mavs are in a similar boat to the Rockets, but their middling contracts are Ellis, Wright, and Felton. The Celtics might be interested in Wright’s length and finishing ability, but I’m not sure the Celtics would be interested in Ellis or Felton. They could bring a third team into the equation to take Ellis back, but I think only a few teams would be really interested in him. I’m also not really sure if you are that much better with Rondo instead of Ellis. Carlisle turned Ellis into a stud last year, and Ellis developed great chemistry with Dirk. Ledo and Crowder are interesting young players the Celtics might be interested in, but again, this does not see like a perfect fit. 

That leaves the Kings, who have consistently been trying to get Rondo for over a year now. The Kings have McLemore, Stauskas, and McCallum as young prospects to trade to the Celtics. They also have the right size contracts to take Rondo. Unless some team pulls off a really creative trade, I just don’t think any other team really fits what the Celtics want. 

None of that even takes into consideration the fact that the Celtics want to include Gerald Wallace in any trade with Rondo. That complicates things a lot more. There are a few teams, like the Sixers and Suns, who are still under the salary cap and might be willing to take him on as a third team in a three-way trade, but they would probably ask for one of the Celtics’ first round picks. 

I just think that the market has dried up a little bit. Teams have moved on and forgotten what a difference-maker Rondo is (when healthy). It will be pretty interesting to see what happens. Ainge always gets good value, but this time I think he waited too long and might end up getting nothing more than a solid vet and a young prospect (or first round pick) for Rondo. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[UnbiasedObserverParticipant]

 Cavs will not trade Wiggins

And the Dubs will not trade Thompson.

I STILL believe Boston has a good chance to trade for him.

Kevin Loves value is diminishing by the day and so is the Wolves leverage.

Flip Saunders will eventually realize he has no chance to keep Love so he has to trade him by the trade deadline this upcoming season.

Celtics have a ton of assets to get him. Flip knows he’s not getting Wiggins or Thompson so the Celtics EASILY have the best trade package.

I’m also supremely confident that even without Love the Celtics can re-sign Rondo to a long term deal.

Celtics have a VERY bright future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

Those are good points. Maybe the Celtics are waiting it out. If you are the Wolves, do you prefer some variation of a Bennett/Waiters/Thompson package with late first round draft picks or a Sullinger/Olynyk/Smart package with future draft picks from the Nets? Waiters is currently the best player in either package, but the future drafts picks might be worth something. 

Should we assume that the Celtics should resign Rondo? Is he really a good fit for a rebuild, especially when one of your best young prospects plays the same position? 

 

[UnbiasedObserverParticipant]

Dion Waiters is extremely overrated in my opinion. If I’m the Wolves I’d MUCH rather have a package based on Olynyk and or Sullinger, Bass and very valuable first round picks from the Nets that could end up being gold in the next couple years. Not to mention the Celtics could take back some bad contract like other teams cannot.

That Celtics package trumps any offer the Cavs could muster that DOES NOT and I repeat again DOES NOT include Wiggins.

I think Rondo is the right man to help lead this rebuilding Celtics squad. He is a championship caliber PG and is easily the best passer in the league in my opinion, not to mention he is in his prime and he loves it in Boston and I think he would commit to another long term deal with the Celtics.

Marcus Smart has the size and potential to make a smooth transition to the 2 guard. Imagine a backcourt of Rondo and Smart. That is downright TERRIFYING. I think Brad Stevens will move Smart to the 2 once his jumper improves. Not to mention those 2 guys in the starting lineup would be the best defensive back court in the NBA by far. Celtics are in great position now and in the future.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

Waiters is an acquired taste. I like him, but I can definitely see why some people don’t. 

I really like Olynyk. I’ve started to wonder if he might turn into an 18, 8 and 3 guy, which could be a fringe all-star. I am not as high on Sullinger. He still has time to figure it out, but his poor shooting percentage scares me off a bit. 

The Wolves might get one or two prospects for Love, but the real value that the Celtics can offer is some of those first round picks and salary cap relief. They have several veterans on middling expiring contracts or non-guarenteed contracts. The Celtics could take back two or three of Budinger, Brewer, Berea, or Martin. That speeds the rebuild process along for the Wolves. 

Rondo is 28. He might have 2-3 seasons of elite production before his quickness declines (if it hasn’t already). At that point, his PPG will plummet, which will take a key component of the offense completely out of the game. I say all that because I think the Celtics are at least 2-3 seasons away from being a four seed in the East. I’m not sure its fair to waste the last few years of Rondo’s elite production on barely trying to make the playoffs. 

 

 

 

[UnbiasedObserverParticipant]

Rondo has never relied on athleticism to be good. He relies on his superior passing and hustle to grab rebounds and also score. Rondo is the definition of a PG that will age with grace. I am a HUGE Rondo fan.

[UnbiasedObserverParticipant]

Rondo has never relied on athleticism to be good. He relies on his superior passing and hustle to grab rebounds and also score. Rondo is the definition of a PG that will age with grace. I am a HUGE Rondo fan.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

Waiters is an acquired taste. I like him, but I can definitely see why some people don’t. 

I really like Olynyk. I’ve started to wonder if he might turn into an 18, 8 and 3 guy, which could be a fringe all-star. I am not as high on Sullinger. He still has time to figure it out, but his poor shooting percentage scares me off a bit. 

The Wolves might get one or two prospects for Love, but the real value that the Celtics can offer is some of those first round picks and salary cap relief. They have several veterans on middling expiring contracts or non-guarenteed contracts. The Celtics could take back two or three of Budinger, Brewer, Berea, or Martin. That speeds the rebuild process along for the Wolves. 

Rondo is 28. He might have 2-3 seasons of elite production before his quickness declines (if it hasn’t already). At that point, his PPG will plummet, which will take a key component of the offense completely out of the game. I say all that because I think the Celtics are at least 2-3 seasons away from being a four seed in the East. I’m not sure its fair to waste the last few years of Rondo’s elite production on barely trying to make the playoffs. 

 

 

 

[UnbiasedObserverParticipant]

Dion Waiters is extremely overrated in my opinion. If I’m the Wolves I’d MUCH rather have a package based on Olynyk and or Sullinger, Bass and very valuable first round picks from the Nets that could end up being gold in the next couple years. Not to mention the Celtics could take back some bad contract like other teams cannot.

That Celtics package trumps any offer the Cavs could muster that DOES NOT and I repeat again DOES NOT include Wiggins.

I think Rondo is the right man to help lead this rebuilding Celtics squad. He is a championship caliber PG and is easily the best passer in the league in my opinion, not to mention he is in his prime and he loves it in Boston and I think he would commit to another long term deal with the Celtics.

Marcus Smart has the size and potential to make a smooth transition to the 2 guard. Imagine a backcourt of Rondo and Smart. That is downright TERRIFYING. I think Brad Stevens will move Smart to the 2 once his jumper improves. Not to mention those 2 guys in the starting lineup would be the best defensive back court in the NBA by far. Celtics are in great position now and in the future.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

Those are good points. Maybe the Celtics are waiting it out. If you are the Wolves, do you prefer some variation of a Bennett/Waiters/Thompson package with late first round draft picks or a Sullinger/Olynyk/Smart package with future draft picks from the Nets? Waiters is currently the best player in either package, but the future drafts picks might be worth something. 

Should we assume that the Celtics should resign Rondo? Is he really a good fit for a rebuild, especially when one of your best young prospects plays the same position? 

 

[UnbiasedObserverParticipant]

 Cavs will not trade Wiggins

And the Dubs will not trade Thompson.

I STILL believe Boston has a good chance to trade for him.

Kevin Loves value is diminishing by the day and so is the Wolves leverage.

Flip Saunders will eventually realize he has no chance to keep Love so he has to trade him by the trade deadline this upcoming season.

Celtics have a ton of assets to get him. Flip knows he’s not getting Wiggins or Thompson so the Celtics EASILY have the best trade package.

I’m also supremely confident that even without Love the Celtics can re-sign Rondo to a long term deal.

Celtics have a VERY bright future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[gbmantisParticipant]

Do the bucks have enough to trade for Rondo? Sanders, Henson,or Ilyasova + 2015 1st round Pick??

I think Rondo would be perfect throwing lobs to Giannis and setting up Parker on the high post. And if he’s healthy, the bucks would have a very good defensive/fast break team in a year or two.

Lineup:

Rondo
Knight
Giannis
Parker
Henson (or sanders)

That would be a fun lineup to watch. They still won’t be a top team in the East this year, so Boston might be interested in the draft pick.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

If I am Ainge, and I think Sanders is healed and ready to play, I would love him and a future first round pick for Rondo. Sanders would compliment Olynyk well inside and give the Celtics a defensive anchor. 

The Bucks are still a few years away from being serious contenders in the East. I’m not sure Rondo will still have years of elite productivity when the Bucks are ready to start making runs in the playoffs.

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

If I am Ainge, and I think Sanders is healed and ready to play, I would love him and a future first round pick for Rondo. Sanders would compliment Olynyk well inside and give the Celtics a defensive anchor. 

The Bucks are still a few years away from being serious contenders in the East. I’m not sure Rondo will still have years of elite productivity when the Bucks are ready to start making runs in the playoffs.

 

[gbmantisParticipant]

Do the bucks have enough to trade for Rondo? Sanders, Henson,or Ilyasova + 2015 1st round Pick??

I think Rondo would be perfect throwing lobs to Giannis and setting up Parker on the high post. And if he’s healthy, the bucks would have a very good defensive/fast break team in a year or two.

Lineup:

Rondo
Knight
Giannis
Parker
Henson (or sanders)

That would be a fun lineup to watch. They still won’t be a top team in the East this year, so Boston might be interested in the draft pick.

[festar35Participant]

The trade I think makes sense is still Indiana it would be Rondo and Wallace for Stephenson and Hibbert. The salaries are $23mil from both sides (Lance accepts $8mil)

For Indiana they get a legit PG and another star on the roster. Rondo will be able to find shots for the guys that Indiana has just acquired like Miles and Rudez, not too mention defensively he and Hill would be more than serviceable. Wallace could be another back-up Forward as either Scola or Copeland would have to exit, just as if we kept Stephenson. Obviously Hibbert would be a huge lose for Indiana on the interior and although I like Mahinmi I don’t have confidence in the fact he can stay on the court. Allen would be the back-up and highly undersized. Boston would be getting a 2-guard with All-Star potential and a lot of tenacity to pair with an other guy very similar in Marcus Smart. Defensively they would be a nightmare to deal with and they can grow as a duo and play off each other, add Bradley inthe mix and you have a great 3 guard rotation.

Hibbert’s do not grow on trees and his defensive abilities would go great next to Olynyk or Sullinger. They would be able to play outside while Hibbert gets the paint to himself offensively which will keep him happy I’m sure. Not too mention a reunion with his good friend Jeff Green. Pacers: PG. Rondo/Watson SG. Hill/Miles SF. George/Hill/Rudez PF. West/Wallace/Copeland or Scola C. Mahinmi/Allen Celtics: PG. Smart/Pressey SG. Stephenson/Bradley/Thornton SF. Green/Young PF. Olynyk/Sullinger C. Hibbert/Zeller/Favereni

[celtics1982Participant]

Sure its an ok trade for Boston and a Bad trade for the Pacers.  They can’t lose Hibbert and Stephenson and get back Rondo and Wallace.  Wallace is useless at this point.  Also who does Indiana have play Center?  As a Celtics fan I would like Hibbert, he’s the type of shot blocker we need, but a trade needs to make sense for both teams.  Maybe a Rondo and Jeff Green for Hibbert and Stephenson.  I also don’t want Stephenson unless you feel he can play small forward.  I would rather move Rondo for young assets and draft picks.  I’d call up Minny and see if they want to trade for Rondo as a way to convince Love to stay.  I really like their young center Dieng.

[celtics1982Participant]

Sure its an ok trade for Boston and a Bad trade for the Pacers.  They can’t lose Hibbert and Stephenson and get back Rondo and Wallace.  Wallace is useless at this point.  Also who does Indiana have play Center?  As a Celtics fan I would like Hibbert, he’s the type of shot blocker we need, but a trade needs to make sense for both teams.  Maybe a Rondo and Jeff Green for Hibbert and Stephenson.  I also don’t want Stephenson unless you feel he can play small forward.  I would rather move Rondo for young assets and draft picks.  I’d call up Minny and see if they want to trade for Rondo as a way to convince Love to stay.  I really like their young center Dieng.

[festar35Participant]

The trade I think makes sense is still Indiana it would be Rondo and Wallace for Stephenson and Hibbert. The salaries are $23mil from both sides (Lance accepts $8mil)

For Indiana they get a legit PG and another star on the roster. Rondo will be able to find shots for the guys that Indiana has just acquired like Miles and Rudez, not too mention defensively he and Hill would be more than serviceable. Wallace could be another back-up Forward as either Scola or Copeland would have to exit, just as if we kept Stephenson. Obviously Hibbert would be a huge lose for Indiana on the interior and although I like Mahinmi I don’t have confidence in the fact he can stay on the court. Allen would be the back-up and highly undersized. Boston would be getting a 2-guard with All-Star potential and a lot of tenacity to pair with an other guy very similar in Marcus Smart. Defensively they would be a nightmare to deal with and they can grow as a duo and play off each other, add Bradley inthe mix and you have a great 3 guard rotation.

Hibbert’s do not grow on trees and his defensive abilities would go great next to Olynyk or Sullinger. They would be able to play outside while Hibbert gets the paint to himself offensively which will keep him happy I’m sure. Not too mention a reunion with his good friend Jeff Green. Pacers: PG. Rondo/Watson SG. Hill/Miles SF. George/Hill/Rudez PF. West/Wallace/Copeland or Scola C. Mahinmi/Allen Celtics: PG. Smart/Pressey SG. Stephenson/Bradley/Thornton SF. Green/Young PF. Olynyk/Sullinger C. Hibbert/Zeller/Favereni

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