NBA Trade Rumors: Boston Celtics Shopping Green, Rondo?

With the Boston Celtics currently sitting at 14-28, second-to-last in the Atlantic Division and holding firm to the 12 spot in the Eastern

Dec 5, 2012; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics point guard

(9) and forward

(8) rest at center court during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Banknorth Garden. The Boston Celtics won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Conference, it’s no surprise that there are trade rumors swirling over this team’s head, like vulture circling dying prey.  It’s just a fact of life, and with Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge being known as Trader Danny, Boston fans should realize that no one, and I mean no one, is safe on this roster.

Of course, some players are a bit more closer to being “untouchable” than others, but given the right price, you have to believe Ainge would ship his dear mother out of town if he truly thought it would make the Boston Celtics a championship contender sooner than later.

Here are the most recent rumors I have heard.

The Celtics Are Looking To Trade Jeff Green, Possibly For Omer Asik

Yes, Celtics fans: the Omer Asik rumors live on!  According to this source, there are a number of NBA executives who believe that Green (as well as Gerald Wallace – cross your fingers on that one!) is the player that Boston is most actively looking to get rid of, and while it cannot be confirmed that Asik is still on the Cs’ radar, there are many who still feel that the big man out of Houston remains on Ainge’s wish list.

I know that our very own Michael Sykes made the case for why Asik would not be a good fit for these Celtics, so I’ll let his writing speak for itself.  Whether Boston uses Green to acquire Asik  or not, it makes sense to shop him, as he could be a nice scoring boost for many teams who are looking to add an athletic third-option to their lineup.  Let’s face it: Jeff Green really is the sort of guy who could be a team’s third-scorer, just as he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder.  What he is not, based on what I have seen from him as a member of the Boston Celtics, is a go-to guy, or even a reliable second option.  He is too inconsistent, and not aggressive enough, to carry the scoring load for a team night in and night out.  I like Green, and feel that Rondo’s return will take a lot of pressure off of Green’s shoulders, but I can see why the Celtics would want to move him, especially if they feel he can help them seal the deal on an Asik trade.

Rumors of Rajon Rondo Being Shopped Still Abound

Jan 19, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) dribbles the ball as Orlando Magic small forward

(12) defends during the second quarter at Amway Center. Orlando Magic won 93-91. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

When the Celtics named Rondo as the team’s 15th captain, I saw that as a sign that the club was serious about building around Rondo . . . at least until next year.  Let’s face it: Boston has to prove to Rondo that the team will be competitive enough for him to re-sign with, rather than test the free agency waters.  Likewise, Rondo has to prove that he can be a positive enough force to become the leader that Brad Stevens will need him to be.   Most people believe that the Ainge is not actively discussing Rondo with other teams . . .

. . .  but in the past two days alone I have heard rumors that Boston is open to moving him, with some purely hypothetical possibilities being discussed here.   I understand that Rondo could fetch the Celtics a king’s ransom, but Rondo is one of the top-five point guards in the league, and has championship experience under his belt.   History is filled with examples of highly-touted college basketball players who either flopped, saw their careers cut short due to injury, or who had successful careers without ever tasting true postseason success.   If Rondo was nearing the end of his career, these rumors might make sense, but I just don’t see how trading Rondo for anyone less than, say, Chris Paul moves the Celtics closer to bringing home their 18th banner.

As always, I promise to stay on top of all trade rumors and keep you in the know!