Boston Celtics star Rajon Rondo appears unlikely to be traded before training camp starts. Rondo and the Celtics' front office both reportedly want to see how the beginning of the season plays out before seriously considering any offers.
Rumors regarding a potential Rondo deal are more likely than ever to come to fruition this season, but it may not happen until closer to the February trade deadline.
"Multiple league sources have repeatedly said that Rondo wants to start the season in Boston and see where things go from there. A similar sentiment has trickled out of Celtics camp, as well," A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE wrote Monday. "Rondo is hopeful that the team Danny Ainge is assembling around him is better than most anticipate, that they can be this season's feel-good story not only in the East but throughout the NBA."
Rondo is more likely to be traded now because he's entering the final year of his contract; the Celtics won't want to risk letting him walk as a free agent and get nothing in return if they think there's a chance he will leave for a more competitive team, or if they simply want to go in another direction. Although Rondo appears to prefer staying with the Celtics, how the first half of the season plays out will likely determine the All-Star point guard's future in Boston.
As Blakely reported, a strong season in Boston would likely ensure the two sides come to an agreement on a long-term contract. If the season up until February is a disaster, Rondo would certainly want to test free agency in July and Boston would want to accrue assets by dealing him before the deadline, when he'll still have trade value.
Rondo can make the most money by not signing a contract extension and becoming a free agent next summer, regardless of whether he stays in Boston. When he does hit the market next summer, as expected, he'll reportedly have number of suitors, including the New York Knicks, the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks.
