Rajon Rondo Trade Rumors: 5 Potential Replacements for Stud Point Guard

The Boston Celtics have gone back and forth with rumors of a trade for Rajon Rondo, but if the deal were to go through, I have five strong candidates to replace him.

Replacing a guy with Rondo's athleticism at the point guard position is tough but there are players who could bring that same style to the Celtics offense. Ideally, you're looking for a guy who can run an offense, distribute the ball and contribute points.

Rondo is averaging a little more than 15 points and nine assists per game and his quickness on defense puts him at the top of a lot of teams' lists. Point guard play has been a vital part of many teams' success or failure this season—just ask the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Here are five potential replacements for a stud like Rondo in Boston.

5. Devin Harris

The Utah Jazz aren't interested in keeping Devin Harris any longer and his career hasn't rebounded as of late, but a move to Boston could be just he needs to return to form.

This is the same guy who put up 21.3 points and 6.9 assists during the 2008 season but somewhere along the line his production just dropped. Harris is only averaging 9.6 points and 4.6 assists per game with the Jazz and a change of scenery could be the answer to his woes.

I'll admit that swapping a 25-year-old Rondo for the 29-year-old Harris may not make sense on paper, but if he plays like he did four years ago then this move would prove its worth in the end.

4. Monta Ellis

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly shopping Monta Ellis around but they're only interested in swapping for a superstar in return.

Rondo being a superstar is a debatable topic but I don't see why the Warriors would pass on bringing in a young All-Star like him to build around.

Ellis has been playing a lot of shooting guard for the Warriors recently but he does have experience playing point guard as well. The Celtics could use a guy who can come in and drop 21 points a night and pick up close to five assists a game.

Ellis isn't as active on defense with steals but he shouldn't have a problem staying in front of guys at the very least.

3. Stephen Curry

The Warriors have another solid replacement for Rondo in 23-year-old Stephen Curry, who is rumored to be an intriguing interest of the Celtics.

Curry is a young point guard with little experience but that hasn't stopped him from playing the position well this season. This season, Curry is averaging 15.7 points and six assists per game which are similar numbers to Rondo's. I also like Curry's quickness on defense and I could see him fitting well with the Celtics.

Curry isn't a slasher-type player like Rondo but he's a great shooter and he could spread the floor a little more for Boston.

2. Jose Calderon

The Toronto Raptors would be wise to hold on to Jose Calderon now that he's playing so well in the second half of the season, but if a trade for Rondo came about it would be hard to refuse.

Again, the fact that Calderon is 30 years old may not seem enticing in a swap for Rondo but this guy can help the Celtics win right now. In his last 10 games, Calderon is averaging 13.9 points and 9.5 assists with Toronto and he's starting to fit into Toronto's leadership role.

Calderon is a big point guard with less speed than Rondo but he still finds a way to score in traffic. He would fit well with the Celtics, who like to play at a slower pace on offense.

1. Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry has already been discussed as a possible candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal, but sending him to Boston would benefit both the Celtics and Houston Rockets.

Lowry has been on a roll this season, having a career year with the Rockets, and his numbers tell the whole story. The 25-year-old is averaging 15.8 points and 7.5 assists per game with a .387 three-point percentage.

Lowry and Rondo are the same age with similar numbers this season and his range from beyond the arc makes him a commodity for any team. Rondo for Lowry seems like a pretty even deal in my opinion.