NBA Outlook: Five Stars Most Likely To Force A Trade Next

Apr 4, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard

(25) guards Boston Celtics guard

(9) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

5. Rajon Rondo

At this point, it seems like a done deal that Rajon Rondo is done in Boston. General manager Danny Ainge drafted two guards, Marcus Smart and James Young, in the 2014 NBA draft and re-signed Avery Bradley to a four-year, $32 million deal this offseason. With a crowded backcourt, the only question left is where will Rondo be traded?

For that, Rondo holds all cards. With his contract expiring after this season, Rondo would likely have to agree to sign an extension with a new team before that team would trade for him. No one is breaking down doors to rent Rondo for one season only.

Depending on how the season starts in Boston, this situation could get really ugly. Head coach Brad Stevens has a number of young guards at his disposal, and playing time is the only way those players will get better. Well, if Rondo is playing 30-35 minutes per game, that’s taking up valuable minutes for a young player, like Bradley, Smart, and Young.

Ultimately, I foresee Rondo traded to the New York Knicks for some combination of Amar’e Stoudamire’s expiring contract, but there might be a few fireworks in the process.