Chad Ford - Increasing Belief That The Celtics Will Move Rajon Rondo

Welp, it looks like it's that time again. Another Celtic losing streak sparks another Rajon Rondo trade 'rumor.' This time it's coming from ESPN's Chad Ford:

The Celtics have lost eight straight and suddenly look back on the tanking track after making a surprising surge at the playoffs a few weeks ago. They need the losses more than any of the teams in the top four.

All three of the teams ahead of them have at least one young player they can conceivably build around. The Celtics? Rajon Rondo could be that building block. But he turns 28 in February, has posed chemistry issues in the past and there is an increasing belief among NBA circles that GM Danny Ainge will use him, once healthy, to get multiple assets back. So the chances that he's the Celtics' cornerstone moving forward look slim.

Unless you think Avery Bradley or Jared Sullinger is a savior, the cupboard is pretty bare. The draft is their best chance at landing a future All-Star and Ainge knows it.

I've written this before, but it's worth repeating - this is barely reporting.

Yes, Danny Ainge is aware of the value of a nice pick in what's being advertised as one of the best draft's of all time. I'm also guessing that he is more than open to moving Rajon Rondo for the right price in light of the fact that he'sonly under contract with the Boston Celtics for another season.

Again though, it has to be for the right price. Which is easier said than done. Hence the plethora of rumors that suggest there's a growing belief that the Celtics will move Rondo, and almost none suggesting a potential suitor. Most contenders have their point guard. Teams with 'multiple assets' aren't currently competitive, meaning attempting to acquire Rondo makes little sense for them.

And, excuse the rant for a moment - but Rajon Rondo turns 28 near the end of February. 28. Not 40. Not 35. Not even 30. Twenty - Eight. This idea that the Celtics need to move him because he's getting up there in age is some combination of overblown and under-thought. Which I guess I shouldn't really take exception to, because hey, so is everything else about these kinds of rumors.

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