NBA Trade Rumors: Dealing Rajon Rondo Is Best Way for Boston Celtics to Retool

Prior to the season there was some talk that the Boston Celtics might be interesting in dealing point guard Rajon Rondo. That talk has intensified as of late, and while it may not be ideal, Rondo is the best piece to help in a retooling of the roster.

According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, sources say the Celtics are shopping Rondo and listening to offers. Rondo has had plenty of ups and downs this season, and although general manager Danny Ainge isn't going to just give Rondo away, trading him could be advantageous.

It's certainly fair to say Rondo has been the Celtics' best player in what has been a disappointing season. He is averaging more than 14 points, 9.6 assists, five rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Those numbers make him one of the best all-around point guards in the game. While he may not be the best shooter, his skill set is invaluable.

Seeing as Rondo is a three-time All Star, two-time All-Defensive Team selection and a former NBA champion at the young age of 26, he would most definitely fetch an excellent return on the trade market. There hasn't yet been any speculation as to which teams might be interested, but most teams in the league would love to have him.

Some teams clearly in the market for a point guard include the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, but they likely don't have the young talent Boston would be looking for in return. There would certainly be some team out there that would be willing to part with an intriguing package of players, though.

It's very clear the Celtics are an aging team as their nucleus includes Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. While they could choose to blow things up by dealing their veterans away, it wouldn't bring a significant return. Trading Rondo, on the other hand, could change the entire culture of the team.

Celtics fans may not love the idea of getting rid of Rondo, but the team simply is no longer a title contender as it's currently constructed. Something drastic needs to be done, and in order to get something, the Celtics will have to give up something. They aren't going to get what they desire unless Rondo is involved.

As good as Rondo is, Boston will eventually be able to rebound if it does deal him. It's fair to say that point guard is currently the most stacked position in the NBA as there are plenty of great ones, and it's one of the easiest positions to find a replacement for quickly.

Whatever the case, the Celtics can't afford to remain status quo. They are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference and don't stand much of a chance against teams like the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls. Dealing Rondo likely won't make them contenders this year either, but at least it will set them up much better for the immediate future.