Would the Cs trade Rondo to get D-Will?

[ssspence]

Just looking at this story about Williams' unhappiness in Utah:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=DeronWilliams-110210

For those who don't have insider, here's a blurb:

"Obviously, Utah would be devastated if Williams were to leave. So, what can the Jazz do to mitigate the potential damage?

The team really has three choices:

2. Trade him now

If the Jazz are convinced that Williams wants to bolt, regardless of the changes they make, or if they've grown tired of Williams, they could get proactive and try to trade him before the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

Usually, O'Connor is one of the league's most conservative GMs. But he's also a realist. He doesn't want to be in the same situation that the Cavs and Raptors endured. If the Jazz wait, and Williams remains unhappy, the team might lose most of its leverage in a trade -- just ask the Denver Nuggets as they deal with Carmelo Anthony.

As one of the top three point guards in the league, the 26-year-old Williams would draw plenty of interest. To start with, all the teams mentioned most prominently in the Melo pursuit -- the Knicks, Nets, Mavs, Rockets and Lakers -- would be interested, and most or perhaps all of those teams would have a good shot at signing Williams to a new contract.

In particular, the Knicks, according to sources, have Williams as a top priority, ahead of even Anthony and Chris Paul. New York could offer players such as Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari and Landry Fields, but the Jazz would likely hear better offers.

The Nets could offer Devin Harris, Derrick Favors and multiple first-round picks for Williams, as they did in the Anthony trade discussions. The Lakers could offer Andrew Bynum. The Rockets could offer a combo of Kevin Martin, Aaron Brooks, young players and picks. And though the Mavericks' lack of young assets could hurt their pursuit of Williams, owner Mark Cuban has often found a way to make a deal.

One sleeper would be the Golden State Warriors, who might be willing to offer Stephen Curry, lottery pick Ekpe Udoh and multiple first-round picks to pair Williams and Monta Ellis in the backcourt.

While perhaps none of the offers would be "equal value" per se for Williams, all of them would be better than the alternative of losing him for nothing."

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What sticks out to me here? The Jazz will likely never get a better offer than Rondo for Williams. So I think it raises an interesting question: would the Cs trade Rondo to get him if he'd agree to an immediate extension for the max? The Cs would remain a favorite to go to the finals and win it all, and immediately become the #1 destination for FAs in 2012 (read: Howard). I'm not sure the latter will be true if Rondo stays, tho I hope it is...

[StartOrien]

I think it'd be a tough decision - D-Will's a definite upgrade over Rondo at the PG, but you might have to take a step back to get timing right w/ a new Point guard. Though I don't think thats a huge concern - we already saw this team function relatively well w/o Rajon.

The Biggest issue would be contracts. We've got Rondo locked up at a REALLY good price until 14/15, whereas you've got no guarantee on Deron past next season. And if we were able to resign him he will definitely cost between 5-8 million dollars per season more than Rondo.

[Who]

Probably ... but I don't think it is a certainty.

[ssspence]

I think it'd be a tough decision - D-Will's a definite upgrade over Rondo at the PG, but you might have to take a step back to get timing right w/ a new Point guard. Though I don't think thats a huge concern - we already saw this team function relatively well w/o Rajon.

The Biggest issue would be contracts. We've got Rondo locked up at a REALLY good price until 14/15, whereas you've got no guarantee on Deron past next season. And if we were able to resign him he will definitely cost between 5-8 million dollars per season more than Rondo.

I agree I don't think the Cs would do it without a contract extension from Williams. But I also think there something to the perception of both players as it pertains to the future of the Cs, and how they rebuild post-Big 3.

My sense is Rondo is seen as a great player, but a stubborn guy with a number of flaws. On the flip side, Williams seems to be viewed as maybe the best player in the game in his 20s outside of Lebron, yet a guy who cares deeply about competing and winning (i.e. not taking his talents to South Beach).

 I think it would be easier to build around Williams, much as I love Rondo and feel he's utterly unique.

[Who]

I think Deron Williams would happily sign a contract extension here.

To get to play for NBA Championship is hugely enticing.

[StartOrien]

I think Deron Williams would happily sign a contract extension here.

To get to play for NBA Championship is hugely enticing.

But would you want to take that gamble?

[Bahku]

Please, no ... Rondo is the primary core and elemental energy and driving force behind this team now ... we finally get some serious leadership from the guy and major chemistry with the other players, and you want to pull the rug out and start all over? I'd love to have Deron, but not at that price ... no way.

[Onslaught]

I think it'd be a tough decision - D-Will's a definite upgrade over Rondo at the PG, but you might have to take a step back to get timing right w/ a new Point guard. Though I don't think thats a huge concern - we already saw this team function relatively well w/o Rajon.

The Biggest issue would be contracts. We've got Rondo locked up at a REALLY good price until 14/15, whereas you've got no guarantee on Deron past next season. And if we were able to resign him he will definitely cost between 5-8 million dollars per season more than Rondo.

I agree I don't think the Cs would do it without a contract extension from Williams. But I also think there something to the perception of both players as it pertains to the future of the Cs, and how they rebuild post-Big 3.

My sense is Rondo is seen as a great player, but a stubborn guy with a number of flaws. On the flip side, Williams seems to be viewed as maybe the best player in the game in his 20s outside of Lebron, yet a guy who cares deeply about competing and winning (i.e. not taking his talents to South Beach).

 I think it would be easier to build around Williams, much as I love Rondo and feel he's utterly unique.

What he said.

I LOVE Rondo and this he's perfect for this team as it is now. But after the old guys are gone then I'd take Williams over Rondo any day of the week.

[Who]

I think Deron Williams would happily sign a contract extension here.

To get to play for NBA Championship is hugely enticing.

But would you want to take that gamble?

I don't see it as a gamble ... the risk is so minor.

It wouldn't be a factor if I were making the decision. The likelihood of Deron leaving is too small.

[vinnie]

I would to this trade in a heartbeat. Deron Williams is probably the best point guard in the NBA.

[ssspence]

Please, no ... Rondo is the primary core and elemental energy and driving force behind this team now ... we finally get some serious leadership from the guy and major chemistry with the other players, and you want to pull the rug out and start all over? I'd love to have Deron, but not at that price ... no way.

Start all over? I just don't see that.

 I think Williams would absolutely flourish on this team. I see he and Doc fitting really well together, and team surrounded by excellent defenders, and shooters (Garnett, Pierce, Allen) who you absolutely can't leave open to sink in on Williams when he goes to the basket. They'd be REALLY tough in a 7 game series, and... hate to say it... you can't hack-a-Williams in the playoffs.

[soap07]

In a heartbeat.  Deron is just better, period. He'd fit just as well, if not better, on this team. And he can shoot the ball and the Lakers wouldn't be able to play 4-on-5.

[pearljammer10]

I would to this trade in a heartbeat. Deron Williams is probably the best point guard in the NBA.

Doesnt mean he's right for this system...At all. Williams come to the Celtics and we are not nearly as good of a team as we are currently. Rondo has increased the big three percentages significantly by delivering the ball on target and finding the open man however he can. D Will is great passing on the break and hitting the cutters, slashers, and alley oops, thats not the type of the system the Celtics run.

[moiso]

Deron is better and he would probably sign an extension, but the question is if he wants to take a couple steps into the background.  He is pretty much superstar material, and I get the feeling that he wants to show that. 

That wouldn't work over the next year and a half in Boston.

[ssspence]

D Will is great passing on the break and hitting the cutters, slashers, and alley oops, thats not the type of the system the Celtics run.


Sounds to me like you're talking about Rondo. It's crazy to suggest that Rondo is a better halfcourt player than Williams.