With his contract set to expire next year, Boston Celtics star guard Rajon Rondo admits he is intrigued by the options he has if he opts not to extend with his team and instead become an unrestricted free agent.

"It's kind of like, I would say, maybe college recruiting," Rondo told ESPN.com. "I'm pretty sure a lot more goes into it in the NBA. A lot more money is spent."

He continued: "I've heard stories, guys getting called right at midnight. It's something that I haven't experienced. I may want to go through it. I haven't thought about it at all."

Rondo has become the subject of numerous trade rumors with his impending free agency and the current rebuilding program of the Boston Celtics. While Rondo still has to regain the speed that made him one of the game's best point guards, he is considered a wily veteran who steps up his game in the playoffs and could help a title contender win it all this June.

While the Celtics and Rondo have discussed a possible contract extension, the talks are considered obligatory. It is expected that negotiations will become more serious in the summer, when the team can give him three more years and a nice salary increase. The Celtics also want to keep Rondo's contract flexible enough for them to add other quality free agents in the future.

If Rondo does become a free agent in the summer of 2015, he is considered a top free agent who can nab a higher salary. Still, the Celtics franchise player said he is more focused on regaining his old game.

"I've just thought about getting my leg as strong as possible, continue to shake off the rust this year and come back even better next."