Later...
Source said Kings and C's discussed a deal involving Isaiah Thomas, Ben McLemore and a pick for Rajon Rondo, but Rondo wasn't interested in re-signing with Sacramento and the Kings strongly value McLemore.
I was alone on this, but here was why I thought this had legitimacy at the time...
How does one come to the revelation that Rondo is not interested in re-signing with Sacramento unless the trade discussions are far enough along that Rondo (and his agent) had been approached with it? I couldn't wrap my mind around the logic of it. How does that information come out? I saw a few explanations:
#1 - THe trade was discussed. Danny wanted to go through with it. Kings wanted to go through with it pending a Rondo extension. Rondo was contacted... he refused to re-sign. So this is essentially what happened the first time around when Boston convinced the Wolves to trade them KG, but KG refused to sign an extension.. they then traded for Ray and re-approached the trade with Minny. This seems like the most likely scenario.
#2 - Marc Spears got wind of trade discussions, contacted Rondo's agent for comment... agent said Rondo wouldn't resign... story was reported. I guess that's somewhat plausible.
#3 - Spears made it up. I find this very unlikely.
Is there an alternative explanation? How exactly does the info that "Rondo will not re-sign in Sacramento" come to light if the trade wasn't close to happening? Teams discuss random trades all the time... If we call up OKC to get a feeler on an unlikely Kevin Durant trade... it's not like OKC will immediately ask Durant if he has interest in signing an extension in Boston. That discussion doesn't come up unless both parties are far enough down the rabbit hole.
4. The Kings approached Boston about a Rondo trade. Ainge named a huge price. Sacramento said that for that price there is no point in negotiating any further unless they think Rondo will sign an extension.
5. A source from the Kings lies about the willingness of Rondo to sign an extension so it looks to fans like they tried harder than they actually did to make a deal.
6. A source from the Kings thinks it makes Sacramento look better if he spins it to look like Sacramento walked away because the price was too high rather than Boston walking away because the offer was too low.
7. A source from the Celtics lies because it either encourages more teams or fewer teams to pursue a Rondo deal....I can't really tell how this would affect teams interested in Rondo.
8. Ainge told the Kings that Rondo wouldn't sign an extension with them, possibly without finding out how Rondo actually feels, because he doesn't want to trade Rondo and wants Sacramento to leave him alone.