Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo remains at the center of trade rumors heading into the 2013-14 NBA season. Rondo has been put in several trade scenarios, but this time, most speculate he'll head to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Danny Granger.
NBA fans are starting to debate if 'Rondo-to-Indiana' would actually work, considering the Celtics' high demand in exchange for the crafty point guard.
Moreover, Rondo is coming off a torn ACL injury and he needs to prove he's still the same double-digit assist playmaker to really draw interest from the Pacers. On the other hand, Indiana will try to figure it out what role fits Granger without impeding the improvement of Paul George.
A recent article from Grantland's Zach Lowe discussed the possibility of the Celtics trading the All-Star point guard for teams that can give them solid assets, including a precious pick in next year's loaded draft.
"The Celtics wouldn't mind their young guys getting to experience meaningful late-season games, but the guess here is that the front office would rather have at least one very nice first-round pick in a loaded draft," Lowe wrote.
"In other words, look for everyone to be on the table. Bass might be the most tradeable guy, since he's a solid player with just one year left on his contract after this season. But bigger names will come up. Jeff Green has fans around the league, and Rondo's contract expires after next season," he added.
The Pacers - Perfect partner for Celtics
Apparently, the Pacers have the capability to pull off a colossal trade involving a high-caliber player like Rondo. The Celtics are expected to scare away other teams by demanding their entire roster for Rondo, but in the end, getting a solid haul of Granger (healthy), point guard George Hill, and draft picks (first round pick) is certainly a win-win situation.
Although it's really up in the air, the Rondo-to-Pacers scenario is certainly as intriguing as it gets. With Rondo onboard, the Pacers will finally have an elite point guard that will improve the offensive talents of George, David West and Roy Hibbert. Meanwhile, the Celtics will have a solid point guard in Hill, a proven scorer in Granger, and most importantly, another draft pick.
I'm kind of hoping Granger comes out and plays lights out so the Pacers can trade him for Rondo.
— O-Dog (@JustinnLamar) October 23, 2013
Why we have George Hill RT @CarpeDiem_Ty: I wonder if the Pacers can swap Danny Granger for Rondo — Terrill Vidale (@YoungMogul2DE) October 23, 2013
It's OV!!! RT @NBARUMORS: The Indiana Pacers trade Danny Granger, George Hill, and 2014 First Round Draft Pick for Celtics Rajon Rondo. — Fuck Boi (@PoohMaGoo) October 24, 2013
If the pacers trade granger for rondo... That's a hell of a team — David Alpaugh (@David_Alpaugh_) October 23, 2013