Rajon Rondo Staying In Boston?

The Boston Celtics are telling inquiring teams they have no plans of dealing All-Star guard Rajon Rondo.

With the veteran guard is eligible to become an unrestricted free-agent this summer, speculation has been rampant the Celts might be open to dealing the 28-year-old guard.

Early this season, Rondo has been intent on proving his worth, nearly averaging a triple-double for the struggling Celtics. Through Boston’s first 10 games (4-6), Rondo is averaging 10 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds.

Of almost equal value to him and his chase for a max contract deal, Rondo is finally dispelling the notion that some of his earlier success with Boston was all about playing with a lineup of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.

Several rival execs told BleacherReport.com that team president Danny Ainge has been firm in refusing all potential offers for Rondo. “They’re definitely bravely saying they won’t trade him at this point,” said one GM, who nevertheless added, “I definitely think it’s the right thing to trade him. I think Danny knows it.”

Currently the Celtics are just a game outside of the playoffs in the watered down Eastern Conference, perhaps making Ainge’s position on keeping Rondo in the fold all the more resolute. The Celtics seemingly long-term commitment to Rondo strikes some as odd given the team selected former Oklahoma State star point guard Marcus Smart No. 6 in the draft.

Rondo’s best season came in 2012-13 when he averaged 13.7 points, 11.1 assists and 5. 6 assists.

[Photo Credit: LoriAnne DiSabato]