Celtics' Rumors: Latest Buzz on Rajon Rondo, Kris Humphries and More from Boston

The Boston Celtics are having one of the most intriguing offseasons in the NBA, as the team dove head first into a rebuilding movement during the 2013 NBA draft.

With a number of young prospects and aging veterans set to play crucial roles and Rajon Rondo serving as the final vestige from the club’s 2007-08 championship run, things are looking bleak for the C’s chances of success in their upcoming campaign.

Let’s take a look at what general manager Danny Ainge may have left in store this summer and more in Wednesday’s rumor roundup.

Kris Humphries to Play Big Role

When the Celtics pulled the trigger on the blockbuster trade that sent future Hall of Famers Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets, many felt that Kris Humphries was nothing more than a throw-in to make the salaries match.

However, Ainge apparently feels differently about the recently acquired veteran big man.

According to ESPN New York’s Jared Zwerling, the Celtics “envision a key role” for Humphries and have no plans to buy him out.

The 28-year-old fell out of the frontcourt rotation during the 2012-13 season, averaging just 5.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 18.3 minutes per game.

That was in sharp contrast to the 13.8 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks he averaged during the 2011-12 campaign.

Humphries is due $12 million for the 2013-14 season and then becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs and if the C’s decide to move him closer to the deadline if he is exceeding expectations.

Rajon Rondo Will Draw More Interest

The trade buzz surrounding Rondo has died down a bit after rumors of his departure early in the summer, but don’t expect it to stay quiet for much longer.

As per Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, the superstar point guard should have a number of potential suitors for his services this season and that could increase if he shows that he is completely recovered from the ACL tear that cut short his 2012-13 campaign.

The Detroit Pistons are reportedly still in the running to land the 27-year-old star, even though they just pulled off a sign-and-trade with the Milwaukee Bucks for Brandon Jennings.

Jennings, who was inked to a reasonable contract, could be used as a trading chip to help the Motor City franchise acquire the Celtics' best remaining player.

Although it would be tough to say goodbye to Rondo, the team could get a few years younger and move into a new era with Jennings on the roster.

 

Jay Larranaga Meeting with 76ers

Boston may have recently brought in a new head coach in Brad Stevens, but the franchise could soon be in the market for another assistant.

According to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, Jay Larranaga has been invited back for a second interview with the Philadelphia 76ers in regards to their open head coach position.

Larranaga was recently promoted to assistant coach in Boston, but had cut his teeth as coach of the Erie BayHawks in the NBA D-League and has proven to be an emerging talent in the league.

It’s just a matter of time before Larranaga moves on to bigger and better things, so Stevens would be wise to start thinking about potential replacements at this juncture.