The Boston Celtics could trade Rajon Rondo this offseason as reports indicated that the superstar point guard has informed the team that he wants to play for a new team in the near future.
ESPN insider Jackie MacMullan said in an interview that Rondo, who has been mentioned in several trade rumors over the past several months, will be the next piece to fall after Kevin Love, who was recently traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
MacMullan revealed that Rondo has already informed the Celtics organization that he wants out of Boston, which would force the Celtics to part ways with Rondo before running risk of losing him via free agency next summer.
"I know it. And it will happen because he's told him he wants out." MacMullan said when asked about a trade involving Rondo. "And no one believes me, but that's the truth. And I don't see how you get 80 cents on the dollar for him."
Several teams are expected to pursue a trade with the Celtics, and Jay King of Mass Live expects the Los Angeles Lakers to make a push, but he is unsure whether or not they have the necessary pieces to acquire Rondo, while also adding that LA might not be able to keep Rondo in the long run.
"A lot of teams have good-to-great point guards. Some other squads have little to offer Boston," King wrote. "The Lakers and a few other rebuilding clubs could use a leading assist man, but might not be able to keep Rondo long term."
Like the Lakers, the New York Knicks, who are also expected to seek a discussion with the Celtics about a trade for Rondo, also have no attractive assets at this point, and their front office will likely wait for the 28-year-old All-Star to hit free agency next summer.
The Phoenix Suns were also previously linked to Rondo, and MacMullan believes that they have the best shot at getting the eight-year veteran, who averaged 11.7 points to go along with 9.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds last season.
The Suns could offer a trade package involving Eric Bledsoe, who is reportedly being shopped by Phoenix after turning down a four-year, $48 million offer.
