Squashing the Latest Rondo Rumor

(Photo courtesy of Steve Neimand)

By: Greg Payne

Marc Spears reported this earlier today:

While there has been talk around the NBA from several scouts that the Celtics have been shopping guard Rajon Rondo, he isn't expected to be dealt. While unlikely, one Eastern Conference executive said the latest trade rumor included Rondo and forward Brian Scalabrine going to Memphis for guard Mike Conley and swingman Rudy Gay.

My good friend Pat (whose opinion I highly respect) is pitching Conley's case to me as I write this, but I'll use some of Danny Ainge's quotes from yesterday's press conference to help make my case. The first of which is:

"The first criteria that any trade rumor has to pass: Is it going to help us win a championship this year?"

How does this specific deal help us win a championship this year? We currently possess the point guard of the present and of the future with this team, and is that worth giving up to acquire a scorer for the future in Gay and an underachieving point guard in Conley? According to Pat, Conley shined once Memphis brought in Linoel Hollins to replace Marc Iavaroni, but to me, half a season of solid point guard play isn't enough for Rondo.

I said it in an earlier post today, but Rondo is now at the point where you need to be getting legitimate, legitimate help in return for his services. I know Gay has a bright future, but you're much more likely to pick up a versatile perimeter player than a top 3 point guard in the coming years.

Which brings in this quote from Ainge:

"This opportunity is unique. We have an opportunity to win with this team we have. We don't want to jeopardize that for the future."

Wouldn't this move be jeopardizing a championship or two for the future? Aren't rumors like this one exactly what Ainge is talking about here? I mean, no one wants to see a dramatic free fall off a cliff once this championship window closes, but aren't we more likely to accept a year or possibly two of mediocrity, knowing that the reason we won two more banners was because Ainge and management went for it and it paid off?

And finally, this one, which sums it up better than most others:

"I don't anticipate any trades happening in this offseason, regarding any of our core players."

I'll leave it at that. For now.

Stay Tuned.