NBA Trade Rumors 2014: Houston Rockets Still Interested in Trading for Rajon Rondo

The Houston Rockets will continue to make a strong push to acquire Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo until the trade deadline passes on Thursday, sources said.

ESPN insider Marc Stein reported that the Rockets are aware that the Celtics have been turning down trade offers for Rondo, but they are reportedly determined to convince Boston to part ways with their superstar point guard.

Sources indicated that the close relationship between Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and Rockets general manager Daryl Morey could be a factor in a potential Rondo-to-Rockets deal before the deadline.

However, sources indicated that the Celtics are planning to keep Rondo for the remainder of the season unless given an irresistible offer.

"Sources familiar w/Rockets' thinking say HOU has absolute interest in trading for Rajon Rondo. But that alone doesn't mean we'll see a deal," Stein posted on his Twitter account. "Close relationship between Danny Ainge and Daryl Morey means talks are always easy to fire up but Celts' demands for Rondo are very high."

Reports indicated that the Celtics might consider dealing Rondo if a team offers at least two unprotected draft picks.

According to Stein, the Celtics are convinced that Rondo is worth more than two first round picks after getting multiple first round picks in the deal that sent Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets during the offseason.

The Celtics also acquired a first-rounder when they allowed former coach Doc Rivers to leave and accept the Los Angeles Clippers' coaching job.

"Celtics got a first for Doc Rivers and multiple firsts for Pierce/KG, as covered today on Stein Line Live. For Rondo they'll want even more," Stein noted.

No deal is imminent at this point since the Rockets have been turning their attention away from deals involving their picks. Sources also added that the Celtics could ask for vastly-improving forward Chandler Parsons in the deal, a counter offer the Rockets are expected to turn down.

Recent reports indicated that the Rockets are not willing to part ways with any of their assets except for disgruntled center Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin.

The Rockets have been shopping both Asik and Lin over the past several days heading into the deadline, but they are not getting significant interest due to the "poison pill" back-loaded contracts of both players.