A bigger build around guy.
At one point, it could have been Cousins. Now, forget about him.
Agree with both points. I think Cousins falls firmly in the 'life's too short' category. If Rondo's a headache (which he clearly is -- a 'pill', as my grandmother would say), then imagine Cousins. No thanks.
But the concept it correct. An All-Star caliber big. Definitely hard to find that guy. Most interesting options involve a team that already has a very good if not either younger or better PG -- LAC, MIN, POR, MIL, OKC, CHI...
I'd assume both Dallas and Houston could be interested, but neither makes sense as a trade partner. I can't find a Utah deal that's both enticing and realistic. ORL's tricky but possible -- maybe Vucy, Harris and a pick with Harrington's non-guaranteed deal.
If the Cs decide their determined to move him, and want established players in return, the team that still makes the most sense to me is ATL. Horford isn't really enough, though I'd consider it if the Hawks gave up one other solid asset. If they felt acquiring Rondo would mean keeping Smith, and that's the best their going to do at the moment, I could see Ferry parting with Horford and either Teague (meh) or a 1st round pick.
I think this leaves the Cs keeping Rondo and hoping he improves before... well... trying to trade him again.
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The other -- and possibly best -- option? Giant salary dump for the summer of 2014.
Trade Rondo with Bass and Terry somewhere -- maybe to the Lakers for Gasol. Pay Pierce the final year of his deal. He and KG stick around for one more run, before KG retires that summer. He, Gasol and PP all come off the books. Or don't pay PP, KG retires, and the Cs tank 2013-14 for a lottery pick.
The Cs have Green, Lee, Bradley, Sully, their 1st round pick, loads of cap space, and one of the great franchises in sports to chase a top FA. It's a pretty serious list:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/2014-nba-free-agents/You can also trade Lee or Green during next season if you need to. Not fun... but what's the fastest path to another banner? No easy answers there...