CSNNE’s Sherrod Blakely says the Celtics are trying to make a play for Utah’s Gordon Hayward:
Despite Utah’s desperate need for a point guard, there’s little interest in Rajon Rondo primarily because they don’t anticipate he’ll re-sign with the club beyond his current contract which is up in the summer of 2015.
Jeff Green is another option, but the Jazz aren’t all that interested in him, either.
It would appear the one thing that might nudge Utah towards giving serious thought to dealing Hayward, would be if the Celtics were willing to part with at least one of their stockpiled first-round picks.
But two league sources, both having had recent conversations with the Celtics, told CSNNE.com on Tuesday that Boston is “very reluctant” to part with any of their first-round picks in facilitating a deal.
Ainge is saving those 1st rounders for the deal that nets him the yet-to-be-named alpha dog.
As for Hayward, he’s not having his best season in Utah. He’s in the same boat as Avery Bradley, a restricted free agent who is trying to determine his worth. He could make anywhere from $7 – $10 million per season in the next deal.
In other news, Rajon Rondo says the trade rumor talk is old hat:
“This is year eight for me, and I think this is year eight for me being in trade rumors, especially around this time,” he said before the Celtics practiced today.
“This is pretty much the same thing I go through every year. I think this is the most trade talk maybe, as far as seriousness for me, but, like I said, I still live my life every day and do what I do. Whatever happens, I’ll be able to adjust and adapt to it.”
As for hearing reports of alleged negotiations, Rondo said, “You guys bring it to my attention every time I see you guys.”
Does he follow the talk on his own?
“No, I’m enjoying life,” Rondo said. “I have a lot to be thankful for. This is just part of it.”
Rajon added that he’s not comfortable yet playing in back-to-back games which means he’ll sit Saturday night in Sacramento. The Celtics will also be without Bradley (ankle) and Vitor (knee) for this week’s West coast swing (Phoenix, LAL, Sacramento and Utah).
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