NBA: Rajon Rondo is Angry About Trade Rumors, Danny Ainge Chimes In

Rajon Rondo has been a big name mentioned in trade talks recently, primarily a trade for Hornets point guard Chris Paul.  According to sources Rondo is extremely upset that his name is even mentioned in trade talks believing he is a huge asset to the Boston Celtics.  Danny Ainge and Rondo’s agent have tried to clear up the hoopla, read more after the jump.

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Rajon Rondo has not been pleased to see his name mentioned so prominently in trade talks this week. But the agent for the Celtics point guard said yesterday he believes the matter has calmed considerably.

Sources confirmed days ago that the Celtics have discussed Rondo in a deal for Hornets point guard Chris Paul and in other scenarios, but nothing has come of those talks. President Danny Ainge and coach Doc Rivers endorsed Rondo on Thursday, but stopped short of saying the club definitely wouldn’t let him go.

According to one source, Rondo has been angry with the sense the Celts are shopping him, but his representative used calmer language to describe the player’s response.

“I think he’s just curious,” said Bill Duffy, who was at the Celtics practice facility yesterday. “ ‘Do they want me, or do they not want me?’ Those are the prominent questions that he’s asking.

“It’s just disturbing. It’s disturbing for everybody. It’s disturbing for me. It’s disturbing for him, because it makes one think, ‘Where do I stand in this relationship?’ Particularly because he’s a darn good player, and this is a very successful franchise, and he’s one of the key players on the franchise.

“When the uncertainty of your situation becomes a prominent topic — not just within your household, but on a national basis — it is a bit challenging.”

“Challenging” would be a good way to describe the relationship between Rondo and Rivers through the years, but word is the two are making moves toward a better understanding. Rondo has four years left on his contract at an average of about $11.5 million per — more than reasonable money for an All-Star. But he and Rivers have had their problems.

Coaches are not allowed to have conversations with players until a new collective bargaining agreement is ratified, but the message that the Celtics still very much want Rondo and that communication will be better this season has been transmitted.

Duffy spoke to Ainge and came away more confident that his client will remain in Boston.

“I’m told that he’s their guy,” Duffy said. “There’s been repeated interest in him, as there is in other players. But they have high expectations for Rajon now and moving forward.

“I think that they obviously went to the public to explain that their position as it relates to Rajon is strong. He’s their guy. That message was just publicly reiterated.”

Still, it appears more may need to be done to rebuild the relationship. Rondo has been mentioned in trade talks before, but the sense this time is that the Celtics have been a little more assertive with him in the marketplace.

“Rajon loves playing for the Celtics,” Duffy said. “It’s just a little challenging when you keep hearing these things over and over and over — and it’s distracting. But I guess it’s the nature of the beast.”

Asked directly if he believes this matter now is closed, Duffy said, “Yeah. I mean, they would be perceived as highly disingenuous if they do something after they publicly came out and said he’s their guy, he’s not going anywhere.”

One reason given for Rondo being on the trade market is that the Celts have concern about his ability to improve his offense and take on a greater role when the club’s veteran trio disbands in the next year or two.

“Well,” said Duffy, “I don’t know how that’s going to play out, other than the fact I know he’s going to compete. I know he likes challenges, and I think his nature is one that he’s always been an aggressive guy.

“His role is going to increase if he’s here, and there’s going to be a lot more responsibility. I think he’ll answer the bell.”

Boston Herald