The Boston Celtics are keeping to its company line of saying star Rajon Rondo isn't going to be traded. Celtics coach Brad Stevens recently reiterated that Rondo would be a "big part" of Boston's future plans, indicating the team would pursue re-signing the All-Star in free agency next summer.
With Rondo trade rumors inundating the Internet, Stevens made a point over the weekend to say Boston plans to keep the veteran guard.
"I love him. I really think he's a big part of what we're doing," Stevens told the Berkshire Eagle. "Hopefully, he can have a great year right from the get-go. I thought last year was tough from the standpoint that he never did have a chance to do any drill work or to rebuild habits. He just had to be thrown into the fire."
Stevens was referring to Rondo's return in January from ACL surgery, which he underwent the previous year. Rondo spent most of last season knocking off the rust from his lengthy layoff, but Stevens expects him to be back in All-Star form this this season.
"He's been great. He's been very active," said Stevens. "He's been in and around Boston most of the summer. He just got back from a trip to China. He was back mid-last week. He's been in the weight room and been around every day."
Rondo's future in Boston appears to be over, though. The growing consensus is Celtics president Danny Ainge will trade Rondo before the February deadline -- as opposed to letting him walk for free -- and is just waiting for the right offer. Ainge drafted point guard Marcus Smart with the sixth-overall pick, seemingly in preparation for a future without Rondo, who becomes an unrestricted free agent in July.
Regardless of whether Rondo is traded or remains a Celtic beyond February, he's going to test free agency, which makes teams hesitant about mortgaging their future on a player who could be gone after the season.
If Rondo does hit the market in July, as expected, the New York Knicks, the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers are likely to pursue him.
