A few hours after reporting Wednesday that the Boston Celtics are “exhibiting a renewed willingness” to trade their franchise point guard, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, citing league sources, deemed the Dallas Mavericks “serious suitors” for Rondo’s services.
The Houston Rockets also have discussed a potential trade for Rondo, per Wojnarowski’s sources.
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This jibes with the earlier Yahoo! Sports report, which stated Western Conference teams have been more involved in trade talks for Rondo than those in the East.
Both the Mavericks and Rockets certainly would benefit from adding a point guard of Rondo’s caliber, but given the Celtics’ reportedly steep asking price, it’s tough to picture an attractive package either team could offer.
CSNNE’s A. Sherrod Blakely reported Wednesday night, citing sources, that Mavericks center Brandan Wright has been among the names discussed. Blakely also noted the Celtics long have had interest in Mavs point guard Monta Ellis.
UPDATE (11:19 p.m.): ESPN’s Mark Stein reported, citing league sources, that the Celtics and Mavericks “are in substantive discussions” on a deal that would send Rondo to Dallas. In this proposed trade, Boston reportedly would receive Wright and multiple draft picks, “including at least one future first-rounder.”
Stein also reported the Celtics have engaged in trade talks with other teams, including the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks, but that “the most advanced discussions so far have been with Dallas.”
As for Rondo himself, he reiterated after Wednesday’s game — a 109-92 win over the Orlando Magic — that he wants to remain in Boston.
“How many do you want me to say it?” he said. “We discussed it on media day. My thoughts and my opinions as far as this organization have not changed. … I’m enjoying life. You can’t win them all, but these guys are funny, I’m young and I’m doing what I love to do. It’s a dream come true. I can’t be upset about anything.”
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
