Put the Raptors on the list of teams interested in Rondo


To state the obvious, a lot of teams are interested in Rajon Rondo at this season's NBA trade deadline.  What those teams don't know is that Rondo is likely going nowhere.

The Raptors added their names to the Rondo sweepstakes this week, believing they may be able to move Kyle Lowry and then make an upgrade at point guard:

It’s no secret Boston has dangled four-time all-star Rajon Rondo league-wide and while the asking price is steep, he has piqued the interest of Toronto’s front office, according to multiple sources. Toronto is eager to up its “star” quotient and is also enamoured with Rondo’s resume, particularly his four all-defensive team selections (two all-NBA first team). He has many backers in the organization.
It's questionable if the Raptors have what it would take to pry Rondo out of Boston. There have been reports it would cost two unprotected first-round-picks, where as some believe only one would be enough if combine with a young talent.

But even if Toronto does qualify as a team with enough assets to acquire Rondo, that still does not mean a deal will get done. The Kings (although lacking desirable draft picks) made a decent offer, but discussions halted because Rondo would not consider re-signing in Sacramento. Would Rondo feel the same way about a future in Toronto?

The bottom line is this -- contenders do not have the assets to acquire Rondo, and pretenders do not interest Rondo as a long-term home. The conclusion? Rondo goes nowhere at the deadline.

The summer of 2014 is a whole different story, talks will surely heat up again. Even so, it still remains more likely Danny Ainge finds a way to add a piece to play alongside Rondo than ship Boston's star out of town.

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Source: Toronto Sun