The trade market for Boston Celtics star Rajon Rondo could be shrinking. Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy reported the plethora of talented point guards will make at least some teams reconsider going all-out to trade for Rondo and then sign him to max contract in the summer.
Rondo's name will routinely be mentioned in trade rumors until the deadline in February passes. While it at first seemed a sure thing Rondo would be dealt this season, that might no longer be the case. Kennedy shared his thoughts on Wednesday about Rondo, whose market Kennedy believes is shrinking.
Per Kennedy:
"There will certainly be teams that bow out of the Rajon Rondo sweepstakes because they wouldn't have any shot of keeping him beyond this season, but the teams that are a potential long-term fit will try to trade for him. The player can agree (under the table) to re-sign over the summer when their contract is up - like Kevin Love did with Cleveland. And if an arrangement like that isn't made, a trade would give the team time to sell Rondo on the situation and them them an edge over other teams when he this free agency. ...
"The bigger problem for Rondo is that there are so many talented point guards around the league now that there aren't a ton of teams that need his services."
The Sacramento Kings were reported as at least one team willing to trade for Rondo, but the four-time All-Star would have better options in the offseason as a free agent. Among teams expected to pursue him are the Houston Rockets, the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks.
It's also possible Rondo plays out the season with Boston and signs a max contract with them in July, something which Celtics president Danny Ainge appears willing to consider.
