While the Boston Celtics insist it isn't the case, drafting Marcus Smart seems to indicate Rajon Rondo is on the trade block. If Rondo is now available to be dealt, the Sacramento Kings and the New York Knicks may be his biggest suitors.
Boston selected Smart on Thursday with the sixth pick of the draft. Celtics managing partner Wyc Grousbeck told NESN drafting Smart wasn't about replacing Rondo, but rather it was about simply selecting the best available talent.
"We have confidence in (coach Brad Stevens) that he can manage a roster," Grousbeck said. "... I don't think this has any impact on Rajon at all."
Smart and Rondo both are point guards who want the ball in their hands, which makes it seem unlikely the two have a long-term future together in Boston. The Celtics could see Smart as their future: either because they want to collect the assets that trading Rondo would bring, or they doubt they can -- or don't plan to -- re-sign Rondo when he becomes a free agent next summer.
If there's any question about bringing Rondo back next summer, trading him now makes the most sense. He's one season removed from his ACL surgery, and teams would clamor at the chance to bring in a proven field general.
The Boston Herald reported in June that Boston would seek to trade Rondo if they couldn't acquire Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love in the offseason, which may have led the Celtics to selecting Smart at No. 6.
New York has constantly been mentioned as wanting to bring Rondo to the Big Apple, but their limited assets -- no first-round pick until 2018 and few, if any, tradable players -- make them an unlikely trade partner for Boston.
Sacramento and the Houston Rockets also have been reported as being interested in Rondo. While the Kings could make a push for Rondo, the Rockets appear more set on trying to land Knicks star Carmelo Anthony or Miami Heat star LeBron James in the summer.
