The Boston Celtics are in an odd position. They were expected to be a contender for the No. 1 pick this year, after sending away three veterans vital to their title run to the Brooklyn Nets, and letting their head coach head to Hollywood.
As a franchise they'd likely be best off acquiring a high lottery pick, but due to the weakness of the Eastern Conference Boston finds themselves atop the Atlantic division despite being three games under .500. That begs the question-should tanking plans, if they existed, be scrapped once All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo returns?
The Celtics have several avenues to go, and are reportedly investigating the trade market wholeheartedly. One rumor that has made the rounds is that Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony is recruiting Rondo to New York.
NBCSN basketball analyst Donny Marshall said Rondo is "likely a goner," although his comments preceded rumors of discussions with the Sacramento Kings, who recently made a deal for Rudy Gay. A trade with Sacramento would likely include one or both of their starting guards, Isaiah Thomas and rookie Ben McLemore.
Rondo is slated to earn over $12 million next season before becoming a free agent. Any team that acquires him now, however, can then offer him more money than suitors who are aiming to snag themselves a point guard of the future on the open market. It's unclear what the Knicks would have to offer Boston; they don't have a tradable first-round pick until the year 2018, while most of the roster is comprised of veterans besides Tim Hardaway Jr.
In news that may or may not be related to Rondo chatter, the Celtics are also rumored to be discussing a deal for Houston Rockets center Omer Asik, who has grown disgruntled with his role alongside Dwight Howard. In a deal for Asik, reports are circulating that the Celtics may part with Jeff Green and Brandon Bass.
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