Boston Celtics Rumors: A Rajon Rondo Trade Forthcoming?

As the rumor mill starts spinning as the 2011-12 NBA season inches closer, one rumor has spread itself over the rest. The reason for this is due to the involvement of two young point guards along with the possibly of switching cities.

Could Chris Paul be on his way to the Boston Celtics sooner rather than later? According to Sam Amick of SI.com, Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge has discussed the possibility of trading starting point guard Rajon Rondo in a deal that brings in Paul to the Celtics. Rajon Rondo has four years and $46 million remaining on his contract while Paul has two years (with the second year being an option year).

Paul is currently entering the last year of his contract and there has been a lot of speculation that the guard will opt out of the remaining year of his contract in order to test the free-agent market and join another team in order to pursue a NBA championship. The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers and the Boston Celtics are just a few of the major teams interested in adding the former All-Star point guard.

However, if the Celtics do decide to bring in Paul and move Rondo in the process, they will need other teams in order to offer the right pieces to the Hornets, which the Celtics solely do not have on their current roster.  Paul would also have to agree to a contract extension with Boston in order for the trade to go through.

Nevertheless, it has been reported that Paul may not be willing to sign a contract extension with the Celtics.

At this time nothing has been made official, except that the Boston Celtics are surprisingly mentioning Rajon Rondo as possible trade bait. However, as usual, things could change as December 9th comes closer as training camp and free agency start.