NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics To Trade Rajon Rondo? Sources Say Asking Price Is 'Pretty High'

The Boston Celtics are opening the opportunity for other NBA teams to acquire guard Rajon Rondo, with the Dallas Mavericks being the frontrunner.

It is doubtful that Boston will enter into a maximum or near-maximum contract extension with him, so it is very likely that the 28-year-old Rondo will enter the free agent market in July 2015.

Yahoo! Sports reported that the Mavericks seem to be the most interested in the assist-machine, although Boston is reportedly still discussing trade possibilities with other teams like the Houston Rockets. Both the Mavs and Rockets have been actively pursuing the point guard for a while.

The Mavericks are considering a backcourt comprised of Rondo and Monta Ellis to help them run after the Golden State Warriors, who are No. 1 in their division. ESPN reported that the Mavericks wish to take on the issue earlier in the current season to allow Rondo more time to settle. If a trade happens between the two teams, Rondo will join Dirk Nowitzki, Chandler Parsons and the returning Tyson Chandler, beefing up their backcourt in particular.

Dallas also risks giving up several team assets to attempt to acquire Rondo. If a deal does not push through, Rondo would end up a free agent while the Mavs will still have to deal with the absence of a top-flight floor leader.

According to sources, the Celtics are aiming to land a package which involves a 2015 first-round draft pick with limited protections and expiring contracts. Yahoo! also reported that Boston seemed to be very interested in forward Jeff Green. General manager Danny Ainge will have to go on a more extensive rebuilding project and aim for the highest draft spot possible in 2015 if the Celtics let go of Rondo.

Rondo's contract with the Celtics will expire at the end of the NBA season. The Celtics are currently in rebuilding mode and are more serious than ever to transfer the star, based on a report by Pro Basketball Talk. Boston has shown satisfaction in rookie point guard Marcus Smart and might put him in charge of making plays with Rondo gone. Insiders share that Boston have communicated with other teams seriously, although there is yet to be a solid deal to happen. Trade possibilities are reportedly more focused in the Western Conference, than the Eastern.

A league official told Yahoo! Sports that the asking price of the Celtics for Rondo is "pretty high, probably higher than most want to pay."