NBA Trade Rumors 2014: Are Rockets, Celtics On Verge of Blockbuster Deal? Rajon Rondo May Be Moved Before Trade Deadline

The Houston Rockets are reportedly interested in trading Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik and more for Boston Celtics All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo, who recently return from a year-long knee rehabilitation after suffering a torn ACL last year.

The Rockets are trying to come through with a major deal before the trade window expires on February 20. According to several reports, the Rockets are targeting the Celtics' All-Star playmaker as the final piece to their championship puzzle.

Houston is willing to send a package consists of point guard Lin, center Asik and a first-round pick to the Celtics in exchange for Rondo, who has been the subject of trade rumors ever since Celtics general manager Danny Ainge broke up the team's championship core by trading Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets.

Rondo Good as Gone?

According to New York Daily News writer Mitch Lawrence, several general managers within the NBA believe Rondo will be moved before the trade deadline as Ainge looks to add more draft picks and young talents on their roster.

"Rajon Rondo is finally back for the Celtics, and now the question becomes how long will he stay in Boston." Lawrence stated in his latest article.

"Rondo is the last blue chip from the 2008 championship team and 2010 Finals team that Celtics president Danny Ainge can convert into assets as he rebuilds the franchise. More than a few GMs around the league expect Rondo to be on the move, if not at the trading deadline next month, then maybe in June at draft time," he added.

Rockets Package To Celtics

Already with a loaded frontline, the Rockets are looking to acquire a point guard capable of running the team's offense. Rondo, who is the reigning two-time assist champion, will surely give the Rockets the kind of pass-first player they have been looking.

However, for the trade to happen, the Rockets have to sacrifice Lin, Asik and a first round pick for Rondo, whose contract will expire at the end of the 2014-2015 season. The Celtics had previously expressed interest in acquiring Asik while Lin could give the team a solid scorer and playmaker either off the bench or in the starting lineup. The draft picks will give the team a chance at nabbing a young talent in a very deep draft this coming summer.

Meanwhile, the Rockets will finally have a playoff-tested facilitator in Rondo. If the Rockets manage to pull off this trade, many basketball analysts are convinced the Rockets will be a team to reckon with in the postseason.