The Boston Celtics are now reportedly more open to trading Rajon Rondo before the start of the 2014-15 NBA season, and the Detroit Pistons emerged as a likely partner with Greg Monroe as their main trade piece.
According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, the Pistons and Monroe are still far from reaching a deal, and sources indicated that trading the 24-year-old forward is Detroit's most logical option unless they can trade Josh Smith this offseason.
"Trading Monroe rather than tying up Detroit's cap for years to come would make a lot more sense, it says here - unless Stan Van Gundy can find a buyer for Josh Smith first. But playing Smith out of position again at small forward next season is unfair to him and the team, which needs to move forward, one way or the other," Aldridge wrote.
However, Aldridge noted that it is still unknown at this point whether or not the Celtics will be interested in acquiring Monroe, who averaged 15.2 points and 9.3 rebounds last season. The renowned NBA analyst is not ready to close his doors on a possible Rondo-for-Monroe trade, though.
"I still can't believe the Celtics wouldn't want Greg Monroe as the centerpiece of a Rajon Rondo deal to Detroit. But what do I know?" Aldridge wrote.
The Celtics are now more willing to deal Rondo after acquiring several pieces this summer - players that they can build the team around in the next several seasons.
Boston selected former Oklahoma State standout Marcus Smart as the sixth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, while also acquiring James Young with their 17th pick. The Celtics also signed free-agent forward Evan Turner, and also acquired Marcus Thornton and Tyler Zeller via trades this summer.
However, Aldridge noted that the Celtics won't easily give Rondo up as general manager Danny Ainge has now more room to wait for best deal for their superstar point guard.
"Ainge couldn't engage the Wolves in Kevin Love talk, but he managed to add numerous assets without dealing Rajon Rondo," Aldridge wrote. "Yet, with Smart the obvious heir apparent for Boston at the point, Ainge can now take his time and make the best deal for Rondo he can."
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