Report: Rajon Rondo trade not 'high priority' for Celtics

The Boston Celtics aren't making it a high priority to trade point guard Rajon Rondo, The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn reported Sunday, even as they continue the process of rebuilding and grapple with the possibility of losing Rondo to free agency next season. 

Rondo's name has been the subject of trade rumors for parts of the past two seasons. But he's coming off a season in which he played in just 30 games while returning from a torn right ACL, and he'll become an unrestricted free agent after the season. That makes it less likely a team would part with something of significant value for Rondo.

And according to Washburn, the Celtics still think there's a chance he could be part of their future, too:

While the Celtics are trying to figure out ways to clear roster space before training camp, moving Rondo is not a high priority. First off, Rondo will be a free agent next summer and fully intends on taking the LeBron James-Carmelo Anthony tour of teams and extending the negotiation process deep into next summer. It is highly unlikely Rondo would sign an extension this season with an interested team, especially the Sacramento Kings. Second, the Celtics don’t feel pressed to deal Rondo because they are still trying to determine if he’s part of the future and they are intrigued to see him in action a full 18 months following ACL surgery.

The Kings, who have a pressing need for a floor general, have frequently been mentioned as a potential trade destination for Rondo.

In 33 minutes per game in those 30 games last season, Rondo averaged a near double-double — 11.7 points and 9.8 assists along with 5.5 rebounds.

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-Brett LoGiurato