That last bit - getting other stars interested in coming to play with him in Boston is what would convince me to pay him max.

I might keep him anyway for the year to facilitate the offense and help the other guys develop to their max.

And enjoy it when he, Bass, Thornton, and likely Green are agents next year, and we've got max flexibility.

I don't see him being traded till everybody interested gets to see him in action ....for half a season.

Either way Rondo has to prove his worth . Stayin or leave n

As far as having an Allstar on a rebuilding team, is there another type of player that would be better than Rondo to keep around?

I believe the contention that Rondo is better with better teammates makes him more valuable to a rebuilding team who is interested in collecting assets, as he will be limited in what he is able to do due to a poor team, resulting in a higher draft position. It additionally profiles assets, and makes them look better than they really are, and can help Danny get value for them in trades. Finally, his style of play may be attractive to other players in the league, as he will make their lives easier and allow them more opportunities to score due to his aversion (or inability) to do so himself, and/or his unselfishness (or selfish lust for the assist).

It seems a lot of focus is on 18 or bust, and to me, a player that turns a playoff team into a contender and maximizes the value of your other assets, is more desirable to keep around than an equal talent who will win you more games but not take you over the top.

It would not be a bad thing to keep Rondo if he is at a high level of play and wants to stay. My hope would be getting pieces or the young guys develop to very high levels in two years. Then adding that to a stud player. Example

Say Rondo is back to top 5 PG form.
Young develops to 80% Mitch Richmond O. level.
Sully becomes Milsap and decent on D.
Smart is at Jamal Crawford level off the bench.
Ab improves 10% across the board.
Turner is playing at Green production at mle $. 
Olynyk is at Ryan Anderson prime level.
You have cap to add a max player stud.

I would want to keep Rondo in that scenario.

It would not be a bad thing to keep Rondo if he is at a high level of play and wants to stay. My hope would be getting pieces or the young guys develop to very high levels in two years. Then adding that to a stud player. Example

Say Rondo is back to top 5 PG form.
Young develops to 80% Mitch Richmond O. level.
Sully becomes Milsap and decent on D.
Smart is at Jamal Crawford level off the bench.
Ab improves 10% across the board.
Turner is playing at Green production at mle $. 
Olynyk is at Ryan Anderson prime level.
You have cap to add a max player stud.

I would want to keep Rondo in that scenario.

My upside:

Rondo is back to top 5 PG form.
Zeler is Nenad Kristic lite
Sully becomes Milsap and decent on D
Bass and Green put up typical production numbers
Smart is Wade lite off the bench
Ab improves 10% across the board.
Turner is low $ backup at 3 
Olynyk is Tony Kukoc lite
Thornton is vinnie johnson off bench

It should be the number one option.  They just need to get better with other personnel.

^ Truth.