Can Danny: The Rondomino Effect
With their veterans getting older, the Celtics can't really give away their starting point guard for a kid who might not be ready to even be a backup next season. Hasheem Thabeet doesn't really make much more sense and James Harden looks to much like a role player to give up Rondo. But that doesn't mean a deal isn't out there.
With a little wheeling and dealing, the Celtics could turn a deal that could bolster their bench by the end of draft night.
For starters, the deal would have to be Rondo for Conley and the #2. That seems like a lot but this draft isn't that strong so the value of the #2 is lower than you'd think, especially if Rondo doesn't want to go to Memphis. Hasheem Thabeet? Would he really be enough for you to turn down a deal of Conley for Rondo? Which player in the draft is such a surefire star that you'd rather risk getting him than get a surefire young PG in Rajon. James Harden? Tyreke Evans or Jordan Hill? I'm just not sold on this draft so I think the Celtics could possibly snag Conley, an underrated player, and the pick for Rondo and maybe a 2010 pick or JR Giddens.
So if the Celtics get the #2 and Conley, their first move should be to start seeing what they could get for the #2. Could the Celtics possibly get Wilson Chandler and Chris Duhon along with the #8 for the #2 pick? What would Golden State give up for Rubio? The most likely deal is with Sacramento. They could possibly grab Jason Thompson and the #4 since the Kings really want Rubio. Worst case scenario, they could grab Nocioni and the #4 for the #2 and Veal/Allen's expiring deals.
Sitting at #4 also could have some advantages. If it's true that many teams are looking at Stephen Curry, someone might want to trade up a bit. If Thabeet drops, I wouldn't be surprised if the Celtics could swing the #4 for the #6 and maybe pick up a player (maybe roll the dice on Corey Brewer?) or the #18 pick from the Wolves. The Warriors, Knicks, and Bucks might all consider making a deal to get to #4. I'd love to try to get Wilson Chandler and the #8 from the Knicks but I'm not sure they are that high on Curry. If the Celtics want to deal Ray Allen, the Mavericks have been looking to move up to get Jordan Hill and some say that Josh Howard is on the block; Ray and the #4 for Howard, Jason Terry, and the #22 is a deal the C's could consider. (Although I think I'd pass and go for a cheaper deal.)
In the end, while Rondo for the #2 straight up is a deal that makes no sense, it's possible that those trade talks could set off a string of trades that might land the Celtics four or five players, which would help keep Pierce, Allen, and Garnett rested during the season (and also give the C's more young talent for the future). It might not be popular with the Celtics faithful but it is a deal that the Celtics should consider.
