The Boston Celtics might be forced to trade Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green before the 2014-15 NBA season trade deadline, reports indicated.
Rondo, who averaged 11.7 points to go along with 9.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game last season, will become an unrestricted free agent next summer if the Celtics fail to convince the All-Star point guard to sign a contract extension.
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge previously insisted that they have no plans to trade Rondo, but they might be forced to part ways with the superstar instead of losing him for nothing when he hits free agency next summer.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders believe that the trade involving Rondo is inevitable at this point, and the only question is what pieces the Celtics will receive in a trade.
"Rondo is considered the top obtainable free agent in the 2015 free agent class and he is likely going to command a max level, or near max level contract," Kyler wrote. "It seem inevitable that Rondo is going to be traded, the question is what the return is going to be for Boston, especially when it's more likely than not that Rondo explores his options in July."
Aside from Rondo, the Celtics might also consider dealing Green, who has been mentioned in several trade talks before last season's trade deadline.
Green, who averaged 16.9 points to go along with 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game last season, could also become a free agent next summer if he decides to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Celtics.
And with the way things are going for the rebuilding squad, Kyler speculates that the Celtics will eventually package Green in any deal involving Rondo before next season's trade deadline.
"The Celtics have had trade talks regarding Jeff Green for almost two years. With the Celtics poised to have what looks to be a sub-par season there is a strong chance that Green is packed into any trade involving the aforementioned Rondo," Kyler wrote.
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