NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Potential Trades for Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have been struggling recently, and it is becoming more and more evident that contending for a championship will be far from possible for them this season with this team. When they struggled earlier this season, the popular trade piece for the Celtics was Paul Pierce.

Now, however, the recently suspended Rajon Rondo is the popular trading piece for the Celtics.

Rondo is the only young star on this team, so it wouldn't be worth it to trade him for just anyone. However, there are several trades out there that could make the Celtics championship contenders yet again.

Rajon Rondo to the Nets

Celtics get: Deron Williams and Johan Petro

New Jersey Nets get: Rajon Rondo and Jermaine O'Neal 

The Celtics need a point guard that can lead them on a nightly basis and consistently be the best player for them. Additionally, they also need a go-to scorer when their offense stalls. While Rajon Rondo is a great player, he has proven to be unable to lead the Celtics on a consistent basis, and certainly can't be counted on as a go-to-scorer.

On top of that, the Celtics will get rid of Jermaine O'Neal. The Nets will get more cap space to go after big free agents like Dwight Howard. 

Rondo to the Hawks

Celtics get: Joe Johnson and Jeff Teague

Atlanta Hawks get: Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen

Although getting rid of Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen doesn't seem smart, the addition of Joe Johnson and Jeff Teague could really help the Celtics in the long run. Johnson gives the Celtics another All-Star and a go-to scorer, and Jeff Teague is one of the best up-and-coming point guards in the league.

This trade give the Hawks a better chance of contending.

Rondo to the Magic

Celtics get: Dwight Howard and JJ Redick

Orlando Magic get: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen and Brandon Bass

If the Celtics want to go after Dwight Howard via trade, Rondo may be the only trade piece that the Magic would really want. Stan Van Gundy would certainly want Ray Allen for his three-point shooting team, and the Magic would certainly welcome Brandon Bass back.

Meanwhile, the Celtics will become championship contenders yet again and become one of the best defensive teams ever with Dwight Howard added to the team and Avery Bradley inserted into the starting lineup. 

Rondo to the Lakers

Celtics get: Pau Gasol and Matt Barnes

Los Angeles Lakers get: Rajon Rondo, Jermaine O'Neal and E'Twaun Moore

Rondo for Gasol has been one of the most talked about potential trades for both teams. Mitch Kupchak told Lakers.com that he's interested in Rondo. There have been rumors surrounding Gasol being traded and Rondo being traded, as mentioned by Hoopsworld, so it would make sense for the two of them to be traded for each other.

The Celtics would get another All-Star, and seemingly cure their front-court problems while also getting a good serviceable back-up for Paul Pierce. Meanwhile, the Lakers would get the point guard they have been searching for, along with additional depth.

It may seem strange for these two bitter rivals to work together, but it may be in the best interest of the rivalry as it would help both teams become real championship contenders again.

Rondo to the Suns

Celtics get: Steve Nash and Marcin Gortat

Phoenix Suns get: Rajon Rondo and Jermaine O'Neal

The Celtics would only do this trade if they just wanted one more shot at the NBA title. Adding another future Hall of Famer in Steve Nash to distribute the ball around and knock down shots would give the Celtics one last shot at winning it all. Also, Nash's defense could be covered up by the Celtics overall good team defense.

On top of that, Gortat is very good and could help the Celtics cure their front-court problems. For the Suns, they get a chance to start over and rebuild their team post-Steve Nash with Rajon Rondo.