Rondo Trade Rumors & Ideas (update pg 8)

[Captain_Caveman]

He wants to demand a trade or max dollars at the expense of building a winner and he's GONE. Ainge knows how to make moves.

Rondo has enough leverage to kill any decent trade if it goes that route. Say Ainge wants to trade him to Sacto for their pick or McLemore or whatever? Sacto will want to know if Rondo will extend, and if he won't, end of discussion. No way they do that for one year of Rondo.

This is exactly how Melo got to NY in the first place. Denver had a better offer from the Nets, and Melo said I don't think so. Not that unusual. Warriors had no less than 3 trades in place to land superstars in the last 7 years or so, and the players killed all of them (Garnett, Chris Paul, and indirectly, Howard as a free agent this past summer).

Understand that I am not saying this as a prediction, but just something on the table if Rondo forces it. He can simply play out his contract and leave, as many players do to teams every year. That's just a fact, no one has to like it. If you are willing to risk losing our best player for nothing in return beyond the cap space, that's sorta inexplicable to me, but so be it.

For me, I think BfB and others have it right when they say that we are on the clock right now. Both sides are evaluating their options and will weigh the respective benefits and risks of each. I personally think that Rondo's flight risk is waaaaay understated on this forum. You and I have agreed that he has economic incentive to play out his contract, and view it differently from there.

I think the most likely scenario is multiple 2015 star UFAs collaborating to play together, perhaps with another star on a team with big cap room, as was the case with Miami in 2010. Maybe Rondo will be our recruiter and that team will be us. I hope so. But if not, we could be up against it in a big way, and I do not think losing him for nothing is desirable at all.

[BfB]

He wants to demand a trade or max dollars at the expense of building a winner and he's GONE. Ainge knows how to make moves.

Rondo has enough leverage to kill any decent trade if it goes that route. Say Ainge wants to trade him to Sacto for their pick or McLemore or whatever? Sacto will want to know if Rondo will extend, and if he won't, end of discussion. No way they do that for one year of Rondo.

This is exactly how Melo got to NY in the first place. Denver had a better offer from the Nets, and Melo said I don't think so. Not that unusual. Warriors had no less than 3 trades in place to land superstars in the last 7 years or so, and the players killed all of them (Garnett, Chris Paul, and indirectly, Howard as a free agent this past summer).

Understand that I am not saying this as a prediction, but just something on the table if Rondo forces it. He can simply play out his contract and leave, as many players do to teams every year. That's just a fact, no one has to like it. If you are willing to risk losing our best player for nothing in return beyond the cap space, that's sorta inexplicable to me, but so be it.

For me, I think BfB and others have it right when they say that we are on the clock right now. Both sides are evaluating their options and will weigh the respective benefits and risks of each. I personally think that Rondo's flight risk is waaaaay understated on this forum. You and I have agreed that he has economic incentive to play out his contract, and view it differently from there.

I think the most likely scenario is multiple 2015 star UFAs collaborating to play together, perhaps with another star on a team with big cap room, as was the case with Miami in 2010. Maybe Rondo will be our recruiter and that team will be us. I hope so. But if not, we could be up against it in a big way, and I do not think losing him for nothing is desirable at all.

Rondo is certainly a big flight risk as things stand now. That's why this next 12 months becomes critical for the team's go forward strategy.

I believe Boston is positioning itself to try and be a destination for 2015 by acquiring at least one big talent to pair with Rondo before next season starts. I think they'll try and use the buzz of two stars - Rondo + Player X - coupled with Sullinger's emergence and potentially this year's lotto pick to get to that "up and coming" status.

That's why I think their draft position is going to be central to the plan - easy to use a top 10 pick in a trade for somebody solid to put next to Rondo. But a top 3 pick - Parker, in particular - sets you up to use the other team assets to acquire someone while holding onto two stud youngsters who are ready to contribute to contention. Sullinger is ready to be a 3rd star by next year, if not already. That would give a player like Parker a couple years to blossom. That would put Parker/Sully at their prime just as Rondo/Player X are reaching the end of theirs. The first two carry the load and the second two take over on the back nine.

I think in any scenario, Rondo is viewed as a keeper unless the team can't get the second star they want by this offseason. If not, getting a top 3 pick may very well be the determining factor on which way they go with Rondo. Ideally they get both, low end they get neither. If neither, thats where i believe trading Rondo and focusing on the 2015 draft becomes the play.

My guess is that all this "Melo loves Rondo" chatter has legitamized the team's interest in going after Melo. I think they will look to clear Bass/Green and stretch Wallace in order to do it, but only if they don't get Parker. If they get a top 10 pick, I think they try to leverage the pick into an upgrade at the 2 or 5 and use that base to push their remaining assets at getting the final piece of the puzzle.

We'll know more by the trade deadline. That should clear up the team's options going into the summer.

[GreenMachine]

I've seen it a bunch in the press... and in posts here... that Danny's goal is to clear cap for 2015... but I don't see who the FA target would be? A couple names (Love, Hibbert, Gasol, Irving) but I would think most of them don't even make it to free agency... and if Love does he's going LA. So... what's the plan for the cap space we clear in 2015?

[humblebum]

He wants to demand a trade or max dollars at the expense of building a winner and he's GONE. Ainge knows how to make moves.

Rondo has enough leverage to kill any decent trade if it goes that route. Say Ainge wants to trade him to Sacto for their pick or McLemore or whatever? Sacto will want to know if Rondo will extend, and if he won't, end of discussion. No way they do that for one year of Rondo.

This is exactly how Melo got to NY in the first place. Denver had a better offer from the Nets, and Melo said I don't think so. Not that unusual. Warriors had no less than 3 trades in place to land superstars in the last 7 years or so, and the players killed all of them (Garnett, Chris Paul, and indirectly, Howard as a free agent this past summer).

Understand that I am not saying this as a prediction, but just something on the table if Rondo forces it. He can simply play out his contract and leave, as many players do to teams every year. That's just a fact, no one has to like it. If you are willing to risk losing our best player for nothing in return beyond the cap space, that's sorta inexplicable to me, but so be it.

For me, I think BfB and others have it right when they say that we are on the clock right now. Both sides are evaluating their options and will weigh the respective benefits and risks of each. I personally think that Rondo's flight risk is waaaaay understated on this forum. You and I have agreed that he has economic incentive to play out his contract, and view it differently from there.

I think the most likely scenario is multiple 2015 star UFAs collaborating to play together, perhaps with another star on a team with big cap room, as was the case with Miami in 2010. Maybe Rondo will be our recruiter and that team will be us. I hope so. But if not, we could be up against it in a big way, and I do not think losing him for nothing is desirable at all.

I understand it's a possibility, but I don't think it's a concern.

BfB and I seem to be on the same page as regards what Ainge's strategy is over the course of the deadline, off-season, draft, trades and free agency heading into next season. I see him and Rondo as in a sort of courtship. They've been "engaged" but now it's time to step up to the altar.

Ainge wants Rondo to be "the man" on a Boston Celtics lead championship team. They made him "the Captain" and look at the response Rondo just WATCHED Pierce get as the former Captain of the Boston Celtics. I HIGHLY HIGHLY doubt Rondo wants to take a back seat TO ANYONE after being "little brother" all these years under Doc, KG, Paul and his boyfriend Ray.

So I think the ANGLE that Rondo will leave is OVERSTATED, if anything. Ainge is WILLING TO PAY Rondo. Rondo performs, Ainge brings the talent. That happens and the Celtics and Rondo will be a happily wedded couple.

The question, given the amount of assets the Celtics possess, is a matter of WHEN they pull off the big move(s)
not if. I think they're going hard into the draft (tank baby!), selling at medium value for Green/Bass/Hump to clean up the cap.

Then you want to acquire AT LEAST 2 OF THESE 3 THINGS: a legitimate stud rookie, an All Star scorer, and a stud defensive big man.

Here are your CHIPS: Bradley (as much as it pains me to say), Olynyk, and a host of picks, most prominently the two 2014 firsts.

If you can clear Green and Bass' money at the deadline there is NO MOVE you cant make. With the CAVEAT being that landing Embiid-Parker, and a solid mid first round talent is a LOT better vs. just landing two solid mid first talents.

So I would say, Ainge is trying to go (Bottom 5) to First in this coming off-season, not 2015.

[TheOGJabroni]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Mitch_Lawrence/status/432620359733751808[/tweet]

[Captain_Caveman]

He wants to demand a trade or max dollars at the expense of building a winner and he's GONE. Ainge knows how to make moves.

Rondo has enough leverage to kill any decent trade if it goes that route. Say Ainge wants to trade him to Sacto for their pick or McLemore or whatever? Sacto will want to know if Rondo will extend, and if he won't, end of discussion. No way they do that for one year of Rondo.

This is exactly how Melo got to NY in the first place. Denver had a better offer from the Nets, and Melo said I don't think so. Not that unusual. Warriors had no less than 3 trades in place to land superstars in the last 7 years or so, and the players killed all of them (Garnett, Chris Paul, and indirectly, Howard as a free agent this past summer).

Understand that I am not saying this as a prediction, but just something on the table if Rondo forces it. He can simply play out his contract and leave, as many players do to teams every year. That's just a fact, no one has to like it. If you are willing to risk losing our best player for nothing in return beyond the cap space, that's sorta inexplicable to me, but so be it.

For me, I think BfB and others have it right when they say that we are on the clock right now. Both sides are evaluating their options and will weigh the respective benefits and risks of each. I personally think that Rondo's flight risk is waaaaay understated on this forum. You and I have agreed that he has economic incentive to play out his contract, and view it differently from there.

I think the most likely scenario is multiple 2015 star UFAs collaborating to play together, perhaps with another star on a team with big cap room, as was the case with Miami in 2010. Maybe Rondo will be our recruiter and that team will be us. I hope so. But if not, we could be up against it in a big way, and I do not think losing him for nothing is desirable at all.

I understand it's a possibility, but I don't think it's a concern.

BfB and I seem to be on the same page as regards what Ainge's strategy is over the course of the deadline, off-season, draft, trades and free agency heading into next season. I see him and Rondo as in a sort of courtship. They've been "engaged" but now it's time to step up to the altar.

Ainge wants Rondo to be "the man" on a Boston Celtics lead championship team. They made him "the Captain" and look at the response Rondo just WATCHED Pierce get as the former Captain of the Boston Celtics. I HIGHLY HIGHLY doubt Rondo wants to take a back seat TO ANYONE after being "little brother" all these years under Doc, KG, Paul and his boyfriend Ray.

So I think the ANGLE that Rondo will leave is OVERSTATED, if anything. Ainge is WILLING TO PAY Rondo. Rondo performs, Ainge brings the talent. That happens and the Celtics and Rondo will be a happily wedded couple.

The question, given the amount of assets the Celtics possess, is a matter of WHEN they pull off the big move(s)
not if. I think they're going hard into the draft (tank baby!), selling at medium value for Green/Bass/Hump to clean up the cap.

Then you want to acquire AT LEAST 2 OF THESE 3 THINGS: a legitimate stud rookie, an All Star scorer, and a stud defensive big man.

Here are your CHIPS: Bradley (as much as it pains me to say), Olynyk, and a host of picks, most prominently the two 2014 firsts.

If you can clear Green and Bass' money at the deadline there is NO MOVE you cant make. With the CAVEAT being that landing Embiid-Parker, and a solid mid first round talent is a LOT better vs. just landing two solid mid first talents.

So I would say, Ainge is trying to go (Bottom 5) to First in this coming off-season, not 2015.

The rub here is that both Rondo's contract value (to us) and his flight risk are largely determined by our ability to get legitimate star talent around him in the next 18 months or so, and by that I mean two Top 25/All-Star caliber teammates. Rondo in the ballpark of $18-19m a year for 4-5 years is fine with me if we do that, and not if we don't. Likewise, why would he stay here if we don't do that? To wait 4 years for a guy like Parker, Exum or Smart to round into form?

And do you trade this year's pick with expensive scrubbage for Melo this summer if you don't know if you are signing Love *and* retaining Rondo a year later? Or thereabouts?

Take it back to 2007. Do you still do the Ray trade if you aren't very confident of it leading to a subsequent one for KG? Does that kind of move make sense otherwise -- and especially in a stronger draft like this one? You fail to land KG, and Pierce then bolts as a UFA a year later (he wasn't), and you ended up a Top 5 pick for a 31yo Ray Allen.

Based on Ainge's record and statements, one can assume that he wants to assemble another Big 3 ASAP. That's much easier when you are already starting with one in Rondo. But certainly a risky strategy in light of Rondo's flight risk and potential necessity to be resigned at big money on a marginal team.

A temporal element here as well. Asik was worth more in December than today. Gerald Wallace will be worth more in a year from now (or at least less toxic), and every day that goes by, our ability to cut losses and trade Rondo for actual value is reduced per his impending UFA status. I suspect that Ainge will try to keep Rondo and rebuild with him, but he feels it is going the other way, it could definitely happen sooner rather than later IMO.

[Captain_Caveman]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Mitch_Lawrence/status/432620359733751808[/tweet]

Thanks, although a curious thread to put this in.

[humblebum]

Rondo has enough leverage to kill any decent trade if it goes that route. Say Ainge wants to trade him to Sacto for their pick or McLemore or whatever? Sacto will want to know if Rondo will extend, and if he won't, end of discussion. No way they do that for one year of Rondo.

This is exactly how Melo got to NY in the first place. Denver had a better offer from the Nets, and Melo said I don't think so. Not that unusual. Warriors had no less than 3 trades in place to land superstars in the last 7 years or so, and the players killed all of them (Garnett, Chris Paul, and indirectly, Howard as a free agent this past summer).

Understand that I am not saying this as a prediction, but just something on the table if Rondo forces it. He can simply play out his contract and leave, as many players do to teams every year. That's just a fact, no one has to like it. If you are willing to risk losing our best player for nothing in return beyond the cap space, that's sorta inexplicable to me, but so be it.

For me, I think BfB and others have it right when they say that we are on the clock right now. Both sides are evaluating their options and will weigh the respective benefits and risks of each. I personally think that Rondo's flight risk is waaaaay understated on this forum. You and I have agreed that he has economic incentive to play out his contract, and view it differently from there.

I think the most likely scenario is multiple 2015 star UFAs collaborating to play together, perhaps with another star on a team with big cap room, as was the case with Miami in 2010. Maybe Rondo will be our recruiter and that team will be us. I hope so. But if not, we could be up against it in a big way, and I do not think losing him for nothing is desirable at all.

I understand it's a possibility, but I don't think it's a concern.

BfB and I seem to be on the same page as regards what Ainge's strategy is over the course of the deadline, off-season, draft, trades and free agency heading into next season. I see him and Rondo as in a sort of courtship. They've been "engaged" but now it's time to step up to the altar.

Ainge wants Rondo to be "the man" on a Boston Celtics lead championship team. They made him "the Captain" and look at the response Rondo just WATCHED Pierce get as the former Captain of the Boston Celtics. I HIGHLY HIGHLY doubt Rondo wants to take a back seat TO ANYONE after being "little brother" all these years under Doc, KG, Paul and his boyfriend Ray.

So I think the ANGLE that Rondo will leave is OVERSTATED, if anything. Ainge is WILLING TO PAY Rondo. Rondo performs, Ainge brings the talent. That happens and the Celtics and Rondo will be a happily wedded couple.

The question, given the amount of assets the Celtics possess, is a matter of WHEN they pull off the big move(s)
not if. I think they're going hard into the draft (tank baby!), selling at medium value for Green/Bass/Hump to clean up the cap.

Then you want to acquire AT LEAST 2 OF THESE 3 THINGS: a legitimate stud rookie, an All Star scorer, and a stud defensive big man.

Here are your CHIPS: Bradley (as much as it pains me to say), Olynyk, and a host of picks, most prominently the two 2014 firsts.

If you can clear Green and Bass' money at the deadline there is NO MOVE you cant make. With the CAVEAT being that landing Embiid-Parker, and a solid mid first round talent is a LOT better vs. just landing two solid mid first talents.

So I would say, Ainge is trying to go (Bottom 5) to First in this coming off-season, not 2015.

The rub here is that both Rondo's contract value (to us) and his flight risk are largely determined by our ability to get legitimate star talent around him in the next 18 months or so, and by that I mean two Top 25/All-Star caliber teammates. Rondo in the ballpark of $18-19m a year for 4-5 years is fine with me if we do that, and not if we don't. Likewise, why would he stay here if we don't do that? To wait 4 years for a guy like Parker, Exum or Smart to round into form?

And do you trade this year's pick with expensive scrubbage for Melo this summer if you don't know if you are signing Love *and* retaining Rondo a year later? Or thereabouts?

Take it back to 2007. Do you still do the Ray trade if you aren't very confident of it leading to a subsequent one for KG? Does that kind of move make sense otherwise -- and especially in a stronger draft like this one? You fail to land KG, and Pierce then bolts as a UFA a year later (he wasn't), and you ended up a Top 5 pick for a 31yo Ray Allen.

Based on Ainge's record and statements, one can assume that he wants to assemble another Big 3 ASAP. That's much easier when you are already starting with one in Rondo. But certainly a risky strategy in light of Rondo's flight risk and potential necessity to be resigned at big money on a marginal team.

A temporal element here as well. Asik was worth more in December than today. Gerald Wallace will be worth more in a year from now (or at least less toxic), and every day that goes by, our ability to cut losses and trade Rondo for actual value is reduced per his impending UFA status. I suspect that Ainge will try to keep Rondo and rebuild with him, but he feels it is going the other way, it could definitely happen sooner rather than later IMO.

I don't see Rondo as a flight risk. They'll negotiate an extension and he'll be going forward with a top 5 pick from the 2014 draft, Sullinger, Bradley, Olynyk and some star who Ainge CLEARLY has the assets to acquire. We both AGREE that Ainge wants to keep Rondo right?

Not sure why Rondo would want to leave?

Ainge has already made him an All Star and a Champion. He can be immortalized as a great in Boston. He's staying Green man.

[humblebum]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Mitch_Lawrence/status/432620359733751808[/tweet]

Thanks, although a curious thread to put this in.

Why would Ainge want to help Atlanta this season? We own theirs or Brooklyn's pick next year.

[Captain_Caveman]

Not sure why Rondo would want to leave?

Because he might be able to play with better teammates on a better team with a better coach in a better city for potentially more money (if we balk at a 4yr/74m extension, or even a 5yr/95m one).

[humblebum]

Not sure why Rondo would want to leave?

Because he might be able to play with better teammates on a better team with a better coach in a better city for potentially more money (if we balk at a 4yr/74m extension, or even a 5yr/95m one).

Which team(s)?

[Captain_Caveman]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Mitch_Lawrence/status/432620359733751808[/tweet]

Thanks, although a curious thread to put this in.

Why would Ainge want to help Atlanta this season? We own theirs or Brooklyn's pick next year.

Mathematically impossible for a Jeff Green trade to impact that pick much. Not only would Hawks only have Green for 29 games or this year, they are already slated to draft 19th, with little chance of rising or falling by more than a pick or two (they're not catching Miami or Indy or the Western playoff teams, and too good to fall behind nearly all of the others).

[Captain_Caveman]

Not sure why Rondo would want to leave?

Because he might be able to play with better teammates on a better team with a better coach in a better city for potentially more money (if we balk at a 4yr/74m extension, or even a 5yr/95m one).

Which team(s)?

Well, we can definitely start with the Knicks and Lakers, but letting Rondo hit unrestricted free agency would be the equivalent of letting your college girlfriend go to a frat party without you. Yeah, she might stay loyal, but you have lost all control of the situation at that point. Captain of the football team runs a play at her, and your baby could be signing a different tune.

Consider that the Warriors started last summer $13m over the cap yet were still able to land Iggy as a 4yr/48m free agent (ostensibly a sign-and-trade, but only after he had already agreed to terms with GS as a free agent after they had dumped $24m in payroll).

I would assume that no less than half a dozen teams would jump in on Rondo at a 4yr/74m contract once he hits free agency. He could then force a lopsided trade to half a dozen more just by threatening to sign with one of the first half dozen outright.

Keep in mind that as with the summer of 2010 and LeBron, a lot of teams will likely be putting aside major cap room for some big fish (Love, Hibbert, Aldridge, Marc Gasol among others), and that not only might Rondo choose to team up with 1-2 of them like LeBron did, the teams that miss out on those guys will be left with their d--ks in the hands and max cap room burning a whole in their pockets.

[soxfan2003]

OKC is probably the team that makes the most sense for Rondo moving forward but its difficult for me to come up with a trade that works for all 5 parties 1) Rondo who has some leverage 2) Westbrook who has some leverage 3) OKC 4) Boston 5) another NBA team.

I don't think Westbrook is a good first piece for Stevens ball and I think Ainge/Stevens might prefer building around lets say 2 top 5 picks on rookie deals then Westbrook dominating the offense. Given his age, Westbrook could probably fetch a 2014 top 5 pick and Rondo couldn't so Boston would have to throw a few more picks at OKC to make up the difference. Problem is a team like the Lakers has little incentive to offer a top 5 pick for Westbrook if they think they can get him for nothing via FA.

Why OKC
1) He has a good friend with Perkins who could could stay on OKC for a few more years even with a reduced role.
2) They should be a championship contender for 4-5 years
3) They don't need him to become a scorer.
4) It's relatively close to where he grew up.
5) As long as Durant is there, they will be in the national spotlight a lot.
6) Enhances his HOF chances.
7) Even if he doesn't play that well next year, OKC probably doesn't low ball him given the way they treated Perkins.

If I was Rondo, I would want to avoid the heck out of LA or NY unless those teams were stacked with talent or I was just mostly about money and they were the teams making the offers. Too much pressure and the fans/media would turn on him quickly if the team didn't win enough. Howard was absolutely right to leave the Lakers since he would be bashed right now whether its fair or not fair.

I can't picture OKC doing the trade now but if they lose in the playoffs this year from Westbrook shooting too much, I could see them changing their minds if Rondo has a good second half. The issue would be keeping Westbrook happy.

[humblebum]

Because he might be able to play with better teammates on a better team with a better coach in a better city for potentially more money (if we balk at a 4yr/74m extension, or even a 5yr/95m one).

Which team(s)?

Well, we can definitely start with the Knicks and Lakers, but letting Rondo hit unrestricted free agency would be the equivalent of letting your college girlfriend go to a frat party without you. Yeah, she might stay loyal, but you have lost all control of the situation at that point. Captain of the football team runs a play at her, and your baby could be signing a different tune.

Consider that the Warriors started last summer $13m over the cap yet were still able to land Iggy as a 4yr/48m free agent (ostensibly a sign-and-trade, but only after he had already agreed to terms with GS as a free agent after they had dumped $24m in payroll).

I would assume that no less than half a dozen teams would jump in on Rondo at a 4yr/74m contract once he hits free agency. He could then force a lopsided trade to half a dozen more just by threatening to sign with one of the first half dozen outright.

Keep in mind that as with the summer of 2010 and LeBron, a lot of teams will likely be putting aside major cap room for some big fish (Love, Hibbert, Aldridge, Marc Gasol among others), and that not only might Rondo choose to team up with 1-2 of them like LeBron did, the teams that miss out on those guys will be left with their d--ks in the hands and max cap room burning a whole in their pockets.

If he wants to go elsewhere. Good for him. But the Knicks and Lakers are just meh, situations for him particularly from a legacy standpoint.

If he states a desire to leave or Ainge decides he doesn't want to extend him, he can be traded, or he can simply expire. Either way he's replaceable.

[Captain_Caveman]

If he wants to go elsewhere. Good for him. But the Knicks and Lakers are just meh, situations for him particularly from a legacy standpoint.

If he states a desire to leave or Ainge decides he doesn't want to extend him, he can be traded, or he can simply expire. Either way he's replaceable.

I'd just like to get as much as we can for him if he's not staying. Easier said than done, but there's just no way in hell you let your best player walk for nothing in his prime if you can help it.

[The_Ghost_of_JB]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Mitch_Lawrence/status/432620359733751808[/tweet]

I guess the Hawks miss Marvin Williams and want to get his bizzaro world clone back.

[winsomme2]

Rondo + Sully + Jeff Green + our 2014 first round pick has been the rebuilding plan ever since Doc left and PP and KG were traded. That's why so many of us want the best possible draft pick in this draft. It is a cornerstone of the rebuild.

Some people were arguing that being a low seed playoff team was more important to our current players development than maxing out our draft pick, but I think most have come around on that position.

So here we are at the crossroads. Not too far from where we were in 2007. DA seems to have the same interest in Jabari Parker that he had in Kevin Durant. So I would imagine if we are able to draft him, we won't trade the pick. And if not, the pick could lead to a Ray Allen type deal.

BfB mentioned Player X. This would seem to be the KG piece Danny targeted back in 2007,but other than Kevin Love and Melo, I'm not sure who Player X could realistically be. I would like to here about other ideas about who that player could be....

As for Rondo, I would think that trading him would be a panic move. I don't think we need to trade him to max out our pick and we aren't going to get good value for him as he isn't yet back to his all star form.

IDK. Danny has quite the needle to thread here. The plan is clear but pulling it off is going to be interesting to watch. Personally I hope he doesn't sell too low on Green just to clear out his salary and who is a Player X that is even better than Green himself?

[humblebum]

If he wants to go elsewhere. Good for him. But the Knicks and Lakers are just meh, situations for him particularly from a legacy standpoint.

If he states a desire to leave or Ainge decides he doesn't want to extend him, he can be traded, or he can simply expire. Either way he's replaceable.

I'd just like to get as much as we can for him if he's not staying. Easier said than done, but there's just no way in hell you let your best player walk for nothing in his prime if you can help it.

By the end of next year you could have a 2014 rookie who projects to be a better player moving forward and Sullinger who'll be as good or better than Rondo by then as well. So while Rondo is currently the teams best player and may still be at that point, there's a chance that the Celtics could grow a couple superior players in house sooner than later.

I'd also add that with Rondo leaving in free agency you'd have a very clean cap situation and potentially become a destination for other stars.

Basically, any way this cookie crumbles, Ainge will have a plan to get the Celtics back to contender status.

[mwhis21]

If he wants to go elsewhere. Good for him. But the Knicks and Lakers are just meh, situations for him particularly from a legacy standpoint.

If he states a desire to leave or Ainge decides he doesn't want to extend him, he can be traded, or he can simply expire. Either way he's replaceable.

I'd just like to get as much as we can for him if he's not staying. Easier said than done, but there's just no way in hell you let your best player walk for nothing in his prime if you can help it.

By the end of next year you could have a 2014 rookie who projects to be a better player moving forward and Sullinger who'll be as good or better than Rondo by then as well. So while Rondo is currently the teams best player and may still be at that point, there's a chance that the Celtics could grow a couple superior players in house sooner than later.

I'd also add that with Rondo leaving in free agency you'd have a very clean cap situation and potentially become a destination for other stars.

Basically, any way this cookie crumbles, Ainge will have a plan to get the Celtics back to contender status.

Thank you. I'm sick of people talking about "value". We need to get "value" for Rondo before he leaves...Rondo doesn't have a whole lot of leverage.

His situation is very similar to Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony only Rondo isn't running to the media like a bitch and forcing the C's hand...how many times have you heard a NBA player say "it's a business". Well, Orlando and Denver had the chance to force DH/Melo into making a business decision. Stay with us for much more money, or go to another team for less. Those teams chose to get "value"...and by value I mean mediocre players that aren't going to get either of those teams close to where the aforementioned players had them.

There is value in letting a player get to free agency: 1. If Rondo leaves, the C's gain A LOT of cap space (cap space worth is another debate). 2. The market will set Rondo's true value...and with the NBA loaded with PG talent the C's could get Rondo cheaper than they would if they extend him now. 3. Rondo will put butts in the seats this year and next.

The Celtic's don't have to trade Rondo just to get value.