When would be the best time to trade Rondo?

[Greenback]

As soon as possible

[Celtics4ever]

When we get real value back that is the only time to trade someone unless they are a headache.

[pokeKingCurtis]

Last year before he tore his MCL/ACL or whatever he tore.

Says a lot.

[LooseCannon]

If not interested, wait to see what happens until the trade deadline or just keep him until the end of the season and risk losing him for nothing?

You have no chance of keeping him beyond next season unless you are willing to risk losing him for nothing.  If you have zero confidence in Ainge/Stevens or if you think it becomes likely that he leaves, then you consider trading him.  Otherwise, I would advocate trying to make the playoffs next season without giving up too much of the Celtics' assets (I would be willing to give up one first-round pick for Asik) while avoiding being too much of a risk-averse weenie.

[Celtics18]

He's not going to sign an extension because he'll make a lot more money if he hits free agency -- I wouldn't read more into it than that.

You are so sure of that.  I still think Rondo might see an advantage in securing his future and his home for the next four years this summer and not having to deal with the stress, the scrutiny, and the risk of being derailed by re-injury which would come with waiting it out until free agency the following summer.

I realize it's a substantial difference in potential dollar amount, but, still I wouldn't be surprised if he took that security.  On the other hand, I won't be surprised if he waits until free agency either. 

[Sixth Man]

Between the end of season and the draft.  PhoSita is correct - RR will be too old by the time we have fully and properly reloaded. 

[Mazingerz]

When he is 38 years old

[Vermont Green]

When he is 38 years old

The problem with that plan is he may have already signed with another team before he is 30 years old.  Wouldn't it be "a better time to trade him" while he is actually on the team as opposed to losing him for nothing?

[slamtheking]

Between the end of season and the draft.  PhoSita is correct - RR will be too old by the time we have fully and properly reloaded. 

he'll most likely be younger than PP was when the big trades occurred for Ray and KG

[PhoSita]

Between the end of season and the draft.  PhoSita is correct - RR will be too old by the time we have fully and properly reloaded. 

he'll most likely be younger than PP was when the big trades occurred for Ray and KG

If there's a Kg trade out there to be made, then by all means keep Rondo.  Though he isn't half the star Pierce was.

[Eddie20]

Between the end of season and the draft.  PhoSita is correct - RR will be too old by the time we have fully and properly reloaded. 

he'll most likely be younger than PP was when the big trades occurred for Ray and KG

Different types of players. Pierce, then, had a higher skill level and relied much less on his athletic ability than Rondo. Pierce's ability to shoot allowed him to keep his play at a high level despite the decreased athleticism.

[Mazingerz]

When he is 38 years old

The problem with that plan is he may have already signed with another team before he is 30 years old.  Wouldn't it be "a better time to trade him" while he is actually on the team as opposed to losing him for nothing?

Who says we are trading him? Most likely he'll resign with the Cs given the context in which he says he wants to be a part of the decision making for the team's future. He will re-sign for a reasonable amount with a no-trade clause and build his own legacy here.

[Eddie20]

When he is 38 years old

The problem with that plan is he may have already signed with another team before he is 30 years old.  Wouldn't it be "a better time to trade him" while he is actually on the team as opposed to losing him for nothing?

Who says we are trading him? Most likely he'll resign with the Cs given the context in which he says he wants to be a part of the decision making for the team's future. He will re-sign for a reasonable amount with a no-trade clause and build his own legacy here.

Doubt the former and why would we do the latter?

[LooseCannon]

When he is 38 years old

The problem with that plan is he may have already signed with another team before he is 30 years old.  Wouldn't it be "a better time to trade him" while he is actually on the team as opposed to losing him for nothing?

Who says we are trading him? Most likely he'll resign with the Cs given the context in which he says he wants to be a part of the decision making for the team's future. He will re-sign for a reasonable amount with a no-trade clause and build his own legacy here.

Doubt the former and why would we do the latter?

What if he is willing to sign for less if he gets a no-trade clause?

[Eddie20]

When he is 38 years old

The problem with that plan is he may have already signed with another team before he is 30 years old.  Wouldn't it be "a better time to trade him" while he is actually on the team as opposed to losing him for nothing?

Who says we are trading him? Most likely he'll resign with the Cs given the context in which he says he wants to be a part of the decision making for the team's future. He will re-sign for a reasonable amount with a no-trade clause and build his own legacy here.

Doubt the former and why would we do the latter?

What if he is willing to sign for less if he gets a no-trade clause?

"Less" as in less than a max deal or close to it? That's still too much to give Rondo, especially when you throw in a no-trade clause.