Phone Call from John Paxson

[Brickowski]

You're Danny Ainge and John Paxson calls you out of the blue.

Paxson says "I'm getting fired right after the trading deadline and I'll be looking for a job.  Would you have any use for an assistant GM?"

Then Paxson says, "And just to sweeten the pot, I'll give you Derrick Rose straight up for Rajon Rondo and Brian Scalabrine."

You say no to the job, but what do you say to the trade?

[Redz]

I'd say, "Talk to me next summer."

[Brickowski]

Paxson will be collecting unemplyoment checks next Summer.  It's now or never for the trade.

Remember that you have Rose on the cheap for four more years, while Rondo is up for the big bucks in two years.

[Donoghus]

No thanks,

I don't want a rookie PG taking over my veteran team in the stretch run for the playoffs where it'll take an acclimation period to pick up on the new PG's tendencies.  Also, Brian Scalabrine is going to help us when he comes back and we're going to need his size and position flexibility come playoff time.  

[Redz]

Paxson will be collecting unemplyoment checks next Summer.  It's now or never for the trade.

Remember that you have Rose on the cheap for four more years, while Rondo is up for the big bucks in two years.

I'd still say "Talk to me next summer."

I couldn't take Rose on the team at this point of the season on a championship contender who won with guy he'd be replacing.

[2short]

Not knocking Rose who is a fine young pg but rondos defense is as important to the team as KG's. 

[jdub1660]

I love Rose's game, but you can't find PGs like Rondo that have the ability to put up triple doubles, but more importantly, rebound like he does. If he could work on a more consistent 15-20 footer along with the occasional 3, and improve the around-the-back-fake-pass-to-layup/bounce-pass then he would be an All-Star for sure. I would NOT trade Rondo ever.

[RickyDavisfor3]

I think this is an awesome post because it is something that really made me think for a few minutes about how I felt.

If you compare how Rondo produced his rookie year with Rose, you might be convinced to invest in what might seem like a brighter future with Rose and do this deal. Rondo has proved already what he's going to give (triple doubles and championship rings), and yet still shows potential to improve.

So like Redz said, you say 'call me in a year' and then you probably say that again the next year... until those phone calls stop because Rose either is dominating, or Rondo is, or some other situation. Though in your hypothetical situation: Paxson doesn't have this job in a year so that's all a moot point i guess...

It seems as if trading these two straight up just wouln't ever happen in the significant future...but the prospect of it made me think and thank you for that.

[SShorefan 4.0]

Good topic.

Pass.

Simply because this team (modern day big 3) is built for a run right now and that needs to be the focus.

[Mr October]

Yes, I'd make that trade. The team would take a step back this year, but should be stronger going forward.

Good thing in reality this proposal wont be on the table. I really like Rondo, and hope he keeps getting better.

[soap07]

With due respect, you'd have to be insane not to do that trade.

[wdleehi]

No.  Rondo is the starting PG of this championship level team. 

Rose is a better talent, but Rondo is already fitted onto this team.  And this team is about winning now.  Rose, being a rookie and more then half way through the season, is a step back during the season.

[BigAlTheFuture]

Rose would be great for the future. Yes. His type of talent doesn't come around too often.

EDIT: This trade would be a lot better in the offseason, though.

[cordobes]

What if it was Kevin O'Connor making the call and offering Deron Williams for Rondo+filler?

[Celtic]

Very tempting, but no thanks. If it ain't broke don't fix it, the C's won a ring with Rondo, no need to change it up.