NBA Trade Rumors: Rajon Rondo or Chris Paul a Better Fit for Boston Celtics?

The NBA trade rumor mill has breached the level of insanity, and two of the biggest culprits as of late are Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo.

Chris Broussard reported via Twitter that Chris Paul's team of choice was the New York Knicks, and that he would wait until free agency if that is what it took to get him there. Later, it was confirmed that the Boston Celtics offered Rondo and Jeff Green to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Russell Westbrook and Kendrick Perkins immediately following the playoffs, a deal that was not only illegal, but rejected as well.

It doesn't end there as it then became apparent that the Celtics were motivated to deal Rondo in exchange for Paul. The New Orleans Hornets do not appear interested in a two-team deal however, leaving Boston to try and find a third team to make it work.

All supposed negotiations may prove to be moot though, as it is believed that Paul would not sign an extension with the Celtics. That being said, until Danny Ainge officially throws in the towel, we must believe Boston remains motivated to make a deal work.

The Celtics' willingness to deal Rondo comes as a slight surprise, although Paul is as good a point guard as they come. But who is the better fit for Boston?

Rondo helped lead the Celtics to a title in 2008 and has directed an offense that won an average of 58.5 games per season over the past four years. What must be noted though, is that Rondo has had as much success as he has playing alongside Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, three of the best to ever play the game.

We cannot discount Rondo for having such premier targets, but how would he fare on a team where he was the only superstar? In other words, how would he fare if he were in Paul's shoes?

Boston is about to enter uncharted territory with Rondo. He has always had a surplus of talent around him, but now, Pierce is the only key player signed beyond next season, and he himself is aging. While the Celtics want to remain competitive now, they also have to consider their future, and if Rondo factors into it.

Without a variety of superstars around him, it is unclear if Rondo could still lead the charge the way he currently does. Is it possible he could continue to flourish? Absolutely, but with Boston trying to rebuild and remain competitive at the same time, this is a gamble that may not be worth taking.

Paul, on the other hand, is a proven leader, with or without other superstars around him. He has kept the Hornets relevant for nearly a decade and shown that he can carry immensely heavy burdens on his own.

Can the same be said for Rondo? Unfortunately, no. The point guard is talented, but has never had to thrive in the face of adversity like Paul has had to.

There's a saying that states when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Well, the going is about to get tough in Boston, and it's unclear if Rondo has the Paul-like toughness to continue going.

For a team that is about to enter a realm latent with uncertainty, the Celtics need a pillar that can rise above it, and they already know that Paul can do just that.

Rondo? He's a different story.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.