Danny Ainge thinks Rajon Rondo stays - but **** say not so fast
Rajon Rondo’s trade status and thorny nature are again the stuff of national speculation, and Danny Ainge isn’t surprised.
“It’s never stopped,” the Celtics [team stats] president said yesterday after the latest wave hit with an ESPN.com report Wednesday. “It’s like if the Patriots [team stats] lose three straight games, and people start talking about trading Tom Brady [stats].”
Ainge was quick to insist Rondo’s most likely team following the March 15 trade deadline is the one that pays him now. He added that he is not currently trying to trade the point guard.
“I anticipate him being here for a long time,” said Ainge, who also derided reports that Rondo, who has butted heads with virtually every coach he’s ever had, now has a worsened relationship with Doc Rivers.
Though some of the recent rumors are groundless — Rondo for Lakers big man Pau Gasol and for Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry never were discussed, according to one of the **** — the Celtics indeed are open to trading Rondo if it means getting another point guard in return.
“Are there five guys in the NBA they might trade him for?” the **** said. “If you’re talking Westbrook, Chris Paul or Deron Williams, then you have something to think about.”
The problem for the Celtics is they’re unlikely to secure a commitment in the form of a contract extension from Williams, the New Jersey Nets playmaker and impending free agent.
Indeed,
Rondo’s trade value has taken a hit. The Celtics can’t hope to get back equal value for him, according to the other ****.
“There are irreconcilable differences between him and the team, and it’s been that way for a couple of years,” the **** said, citing Rondo’s well-documented stubborn streak. “His value around the league has taken a hit. He’s not exactly the Chamber of Commerce’s man of the year. They’ve been kidding themselves for years. Doc can put an arm around him and give him a kiss and try to make it all better, but that just ain’t happening.
“He was cut from the national team (prior to the 2010 FIBA World Championship),” the **** said. “I know the reason they gave was that he had to leave for personal reasons, but that’s baloney. He was cut. He’s a moody guy who has trouble fitting in.”
According to the ****, there is a dearth of interest in Rondo around the league.
“They’re desperate to (trade Rondo),” the **** said of the Celtics [team stats]. “He’s the only real asset they have. The other guys, the Big Three, aren’t assets at this point. The problem they now face is that he’s an undesirable. This league is full of undesirables, and some are more talented. You can probably get (Minnesota Timberwolves forward) Michael Beasley for less than Rondo, but he’s another guy people don’t want.
“All I know right now is that if Ainge is calling me right now, I have him over a barrel.”
