NBA Trade Rumors 2014 Update: Boston Celtics Would Consider Trading Rajon Rondo, Jeff Green, Gerald Wallace for Future Assets
The Boston Celtics are awaiting the return of Rajon Rondo, but the team could also consider trading the superstar point guard if given the right offer and opportunity.
NBA insider Chad Ford noted that the rebuilding Celtics are willing to trade Rondo along with veteran players Jeff Green and Gerald Wallace if they can get future assets that will help them rebuild faster.
The Celtics are reportedly thinking of "tanking" this season because their executives want to be in the top three of the 2014 NBA Draft.
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is not as intrigued as other executives when it comes to the talented batch of rookies in next summer's draft, but it is widely believed that he is willing to trade their current veteran assets, knowing that a new franchise player could be acquired through the draft this year.
"If trading a few veterans like Rondo, Jeff Green or Gerald Wallace can get him back valuable assets that help him rebuild later, he'll do that. Most people around the league think the Celtics are gunning for a Top 3 pick," Ford noted. "Ainge isn't as in love with this draft as others. He may try to sell high if he can. Those picks are still worth a lot right now."
Rondo, who recently hinted about his upcoming return, could make his season debut on Friday when the Celtics host the Los Angeles Lakers at the TD Garden in Boston.
Rondo's return will not only attract the attention of their fans, but also several league executives who are interested in seeing how the All-Star guard will perform coming off a one-year hiatus due to a torn ACL.
According to a recent report, there is a growing belief within the league that Ainge will eventually put Rondo on the block, considering the fact that the 27-year-old guard could walk away when he becomes a free agent in 2015.
But while most analysts believe that Rondo will be dealt soon, Ford also noted that the Celtics could make a u-turn and trade their future assets like draft picks for a proven player that will turn the team into a contender once again.
"l of those draft picks and assets allow him [Ainge] to trade for a player or two that can make the Celtics a contender again, he'll go that route," Ford stressed.