Photo: US Presswire - Jason Miller
- Troy BallardThe rumors have been circling around Boston for quite some time now, and finally, it has been confirmed -- the Celtics have placed Rajon Rondo on the trading block.
This marks the first move of the Celtics beginning the 'rolling restart,' so to speak, as the organization will look to rebuild and retool for the future.
Rondo is the first to be shipped off for a number of reasons, the most likely being his frequent clashes with head coach Doc Rivers. Despite his stellar play, his attitude and off-court issues have put the Celtics in a must-trade situation.
With Rondo officially on the block, which teams will be calling Boston to work out a deal?
Utah Jazz
Devin Harris has played admirably for a surprising Utah team since being traded the Jazz in the infamous Deron Williams deal, but he's not the future of the team. The Jazz have a fleet of young talent across the board, exactly what Boston would be looking for in return for a player like Rondo.
Utah has been lacking that true superstar since Williams' departure, and Rondo could fill that void perfectly. The team needs a spark in the starting lineup to compete and contend with the rigid and always improving West. The Jazz have hit their ceiling, and the team needs to make a major move to keep moving in the right direction.
The Jazz could use a young upstart point guard like Rondo to re-energize the fan base and push team back into the playoffs.
Orlando Magic
The Magic are stuck in limbo with the Dwight Howard situation. The organization is trying to decide whether to deal him away or retain him for the remainder of the year and hope he re-signs during the off-season.
Bringing in Rondo could help persuade Superman to stay in Orlando. It would be a step in the right direction for not only keeping Howard, but also planning for a worst case post-Howard existence.
Rondo's defense would be a great help to a team that needs help on the perimeter, and he would flow perfectly as the 'assist-man' in the Magic's offense. It'd be a win-win for the Magic, whether Howard stays or leaves, they will at least have a solid point guard.
Not to mention, Rondo and Howard would be connecting on alley-oops that would even make Chris Paul and Blake Griffin jealous.
Los Angeles Lakers
There is not a more point guard needy team in the NBA than the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only is Derek Fisher and Steve Blake not getting the job done, but LA desperately needs an infusion of youth on the court. To compete with the young and athletic teams in the Western Conference, the Lakers have to make a move soon.
The Lakers have been put into crisis mode, and Kobe Bryant is the only thing keeping the team in contention. Although Rondo isn't strong offensively like Bryant, he is beast defensively and is an excellent passer. The offense would improve instantaneously with him in the line up, and he would provide the youth the team has been lacking all season.
Los Angeles has been soaking in despair after the team's orignal deal to get Paul was vetoed, and the Lakers have been hoping another good deal falls into place. This is the one, and Rondo may not be Paul, but he would still totally turn around the roster.
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