What a joke.
"I'm not trying to have it both ways, but I stick with my story; either Rondo is getting traded or he isn't."
Lame.
Why do you have quotes around that? Not what he said...
I'm paraphrasing what he said.
You missed his point. What he's saying is that according to a number of teams the Celtics haven't ruled out trading Rondo before the deadline.
There's no news there. I already knew that pretty much all NBA GMs are in constant conversations with their colleagues about any and all players.
Despite Ford's piece, I'd be completely shocked if Rajon Rondo is moved this season.
Incorrect on the first point. There are a number of players in the league who are certainly not in trade discussions. It seems unnecessary to make a comprehensive list, but: James. Durant. Anthony Davis. All the way down to a guy like Harden, who presumably Morey is not even bothering to talk about. So let's say 1/3 to 1/2 half the teams in the league have a player they don't entertain discussion on in any ongoing way.
Many Cs fans choose to call Rondo the best PG in the league, a Top 10 player, etc. While it may not be 'news', I'd say it's insightful to know that Ainge still doesn't feel that way about Rondo. Therefore, doubtful he ever will. It confirms what I and some others around here believe -- that Ainge is eager to trade Rondo in his prime for a more traditional 'franchise player'. I think his interview with Dickerson last night also made this pretty clear.
I agree with you on the second point, though I think 'completely shocked' is putting it strongly. I don't see him being moved either.
Regardless, I have a hard time understanding why it's lame for Ford to report that opposing teams have told him the Cs remain open to dealing anyone including Rondo.
I think you are completely incorrect on your first point, which I have highlighted. Does anyone think that Dan Gilbert, if he could go back in time, would not have traded Lebron in his last year in Cleveland, when he was an MVP and the best player in the league?
Every player is available so long as there is a willing buyer on the other end that is offering similar value (or more). You say Durant and Lebron are unavailable, but what if Presti called up Riley tomorrow and offered Durant FOR Lebron? Would Riley say "no way, untouchable?" I don't think so.
That of course does not mean the trade would happen - circumstances would have to dictate a trade like that happening, and those circumstances are arguably very, very rare. But of all the major sports leagues in our country, the NBA is the most suited for superstar-for-superstar trades given the need to match salaries.
So with respect to Danny and the C's: no player is untouchable (maybe save for Garnett with the no-trade clause). That doesn't mean he is actively trying to trade those guys, but it also doesn't mean he will be gun shy if the right deal comes along.