Celtics are first to contact Isaiah Thomas; what does this mean for Rajon Rondo?

On Thursday night the Celtics used the sixth overall pick in the draft to select a point guard, Marcus Smart. This shined light on many questions regarding the future of Rajon Rondo in a Celtics' uniform.

But hey, Smart is a combo-guard with good size. Maybe he could play the shooting guard position alongside Rondo? Or even simply be Rondo's long-term replacement?

As free agency began on Tuesday, the Celtics were the first team to contact RFA Kings' point guard Isaiah Thomas. Welp, there goes that logic. Now the Rondo noise is bound to grow even louder.

Maybe Danny Ainge is just exploring every option by contacting Thomas. But it would be close minded to think that this does not have implications on Rondo. As soon as Kevin Love trade talks died down, the chances of Rondo remaining in Boston took a hit.

Rondo has said the right things all along. He wants to remain in Boston and he trusts Ainge -- I believe him. But the part Rondo leaves out is what if Ainge can't come through and find help for him? The right move would be to send Rondo packing, getting something for him in return while you still can.

It's nice to know that Ainge acknowledges that this is a possibility . . . that's why he called Thomas.

Does it mean Rondo's days as a Celtic are finished? No, "trader Danny" could still swing a deal that significantly improves his team next season, thus enticing Rondo to stay. But if Ainge can't do so, then it looks like Rondo could be on his way, for the better of the future of the franchise.

For good or bad, at least Ainge is prepared.

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