The Houston Rockets are reportedly attempting to revive trade talks with the Boston Celtics for All-Star playmaker Rajon Rondo after failing to sign a third superstar to play alongside James Harden and Dwight Howard this offseason, a source close to situation reported on Monday.
The Rockets appear to be the biggest loser this free-agency period, as general manager Daryl Morey and his staff only boast the signing of Trevor Ariza to a four-year, $32 million contract.
Aside from their failed attempt to lure Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh, Houston also lost the service of Omer Asik, Jeremy Lin and Chandler Parsons in their effort to clear their salary cap for a max contract.
The Rockets completed the Asik deal on Sunday with a three-team trade with the New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards. The Rockets will send Asik, Omri Casspi and cash considerations to the New Orleans Pelicans and receive Alonzo Gee, Scotty Hopson and Ariza. The Wizards, meanwhile, will receive Melvin Ely's $2.2 million contract and a $8.5 million trade exception.
Lin, who averaged 12 points and 4 dimes in a backup role last season, was also dispatched along with a first-round pick and draft considerations to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for virtually nothing (foreign players).
And of course, the Rockets also decided not to match the Dallas Mavericks' three-year, $36 million offer sheet to Parsons, who was an integral piece in the team's playoff run for the past two seasons.
Revived Interest in Rondo
According to ESPN NBA insider Marc Stein, the Rockets could make an aggressive move in reviving trade talks not only with the Celtics for Rondo but as well with the Minnesota Timberwolves with Kevin Love.
"So look for Rockets to re-enter trade game for longtime Houston target Rajon Rondo as well as try to work their way into mix for Kevin Love," Stein posted on his Twitter account.
The Rockets, despite losing three key trade assets, have the ability to pull off a massive trade because of the stash of first-round draft picks and solid trade assets (Terrence Jones and Patrick Beverley) the team still possesses.
Out of the two trade options, the Rondo deal has the better chance to materialize because the Celtics might have already prepared for the future in the backcourt by drafting Marcus Smart and resigning Avery Bradley.
Rondo, who averaged 11.7 points, 9.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds coming off an ACL injury last season, would instantly make the Rockets a legitimate title contender because of his incredible court vision and experience playing for a winning team.
For more NBA Trade rumors, read more at Travelers Today
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
