Are you serious? This is a trade worthy incident? He had 20 points, 11 assists, 4 steals, 4 rebounds and only 1 TO while shooting 56% from the field. He was hands down the best player on the floor including Josh Smith. Rondo should be given the Nobel Peace Price for not punching that "official" in the face.
First of all, that "official" thought he was a superstar and all the people were there cheering for him. He knows that he will never be as important as Rondo at anything and he let his ego and insecurity take over. He blows a call on Josh Smith. He repeatedly let Rondo get abused under the rim. Every time Rondo pointed out his obvious lack of ability to officiate the game, he got sensitive and took it out on Rondo.
I've never seen a foul called on two people fighting for a loose ball on the floor in the regular season let alone a playoff game, but this official clearly thought that he will become a hero and decide the fate of the game by just gifting one team with the ball in a game changing moment. The Celtics had cut it to 4 points with plenty of time, and after some inspired defense and KG literally diving face first on the floor to get the ball they give the ball to Atlanta on a bad call, two POSSESSIONS in a row.
He also T'd up Rondo for doing nothing but arguing the call which he was perfectly allowed to do (especially when the official just gave a free possession to the Hawks when Smith knocked the ball from Rondo's hands out of bounds.) He clearly stopped short and Rondo tripped on his foot. The irony is the only way Rondo could've stopped his fall was put his hands on the official. Did Rondo put a little extra force and enjoy the contact a little too much, yeah. But I honestly was contemplating punching the ref myself. Rondo has never been the type of guy to hit players or refs. He gets angry but I've never seen him initiate contact with anyone. But whatever, thanks to Metta World Peace, Rondo will pay the price.
The official should be fired on the spot. If you can't do your job properly you get fired. That's the "rule" every one lives by, except for officials in the NBA.