First of all, I didn't say I "would" trade Rondo. I said that "IF" we were trying to move up into the Lottery, Rondo would be the obvious choice of player on our Roster to get us there.
Secondly, I also said "this is a hypothetical" conversation at the end of my post.
Thirdly, I also said it would have to take serious consideration to trade Rondo because of his obvious game changing talent and that I have been one of the biggest Ronda advocates since he arrived in Boston.
Lastly, none of us know exactly what the team dynamics with Rondo are and how that affects the organization's decision making when it comes to Rondo. We do know that he has majorly butted heads, at various times, with Doc, Paul, KG, Bass and certainly with Ray Allen. He's also butted heads with Bass. Ainge has also had to have "several" sit downs with Rondo. Who knows exactly to what extent all the friction rises to but when there is that much smoke , there's bound to be a decent amount of fire.
So it's possible the team might want to cut bait when the field is talent heavy as in this draft.
Again, I'd be very hesitant to trade Rondo under any circumstances, as I said in the original post - it was a hypothetical post.
But rather than saying just saying the original trade proposals are an abortion, offer a different better trade because I guarantee you that trading Rondo is on the table today if the right deal comes along.
As for the trades themselves that I posted. I would give either serious consideration based on two simple conditions -
1. I felt really confident that the two key guys I was getting in return were possible impact players.
2. They were high character kids with a track record of being great team players.
For example, the Portland trade - If I thought that Andre Drummond (6th) and Arnette Moultrie (11th) could, in a matter of 2-3 years, become a dominant one/two punch in the front for me for the next 10-12 years, I have to consider trading Rondo for that.
* To be clear, please note that I am not saying that "I" believe Drummond and Moultrie are those players. I am saying that if Ainge felt there were two players at the 6th and 11th spots, in any position, who could be potential impact players and he could land two long term cornerstones for one in Rondo, you have to consider it.
And I have no idea who those two players might be - I don't have enough data on them. But I'd be looking at it serioulsy, especially if Rondo is a divisive influence on the team who requires a tone of maintenance.
And no it's not foolish to say Portland would be foolish to decline that deal. The best trades are win / win for both sides. The only question to be answered in that scenario is if Ainge feels the two players he targets with the 6th and 11th are worth more to him, long term, than Rondo.
I'd prefer to keep Rondo and build around him, I think he's that special. But I don't know what goes on within the team and as I mentioned in the post don't be suprised if Rondo is used to move up.
This is a hypothetical, not a statement of personal preference regarding Rondo.
Some food for thought off a board - a rumor, for what's it's worth...
News:Dwight, JSmith, Draft
by ddb on Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:00 am
One of my associates from within the NBA circles (BBall operations for a team that I won't mention) said with Ray likely leaving Boston and KG still undecided on his future, Ainge is seriously considering doing something BIG (get it...like the commercial).
That BIG move could involve Rondo. Says in order for it to happen there will need to be revolving pieces, therefor it might not get done until after July 1st. He says Kings are likely to move their pick because current players in the draft are refusing to workout for them. They like Lilliard the most but if they can land Rondo they would rather go down that route.
Says Ainge and McHale are plotting hard...Howard, Josh Smith, Tyrek Evans and Pau Gasol are most common names associated with Boston and Houston.