Celtics Ainge: We Love Rondo
BOSTON (CBS) -Despite all the talk about a potential blockbuster trade, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said he is not trying to deal point guard Rajon Rondo.
"I'm not, no," said Ainge at a press conference Thursday.
Rumors have been swirling that the Celtics were looking to trade their young and talented point guard in hopes of landing Chris Paul of the Hornets.
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This is not the first time Rondo's name has come up in trade rumors, but Ainge assures that is just because the Celtics guard is so enticing to other teams.
"He gets a lot of attention; He's a great player," said Ainge. "There's a lot of people that call me and aks me about Rondo. So, how these rumors get out, it's unfortunate, but we didn't leak those rumors out. We'll deal with it. He'll be fine."
"There's a reason when whatever this thing leaked out, it was all over the news," head coach Doc Rivers added. "It's because the players they were talking about are both really good. Rondo has established that with his play. He is a great basketball player and he does so many things for our team. He should be flattered, in a way, that this is news."
"Trade rumors are part of the world we live in," said Ainge. "It's a media circus out there and everybody's name has been in trade rumors. And everybody's name will be. If you're worth your salt, you'll be mentioned in a trade somewhere along the line. That's just a part of the business that players have to learn to deal with as well."
Ainge, Rivers Talk About Rondo Rumors
"The veterans are obviously used to it. The younger guys will get used to it. And again, Danny is right, if you're a good player there is a very high likelihood at some point you'll be mentioned in a rumor. That doesn't mean any of them are true," said Rivers.
Ainge said he will speak with Rondo about all the rumors, and will be honest with him, but doesn't think the trade talks will affect his play.
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"I"ll talk to Rondo," he said. "But I won't tell you what I'll say to him. Rondo will be fine, Rondo knows that we love him. He knows that we like him. He's excited to come back and play basketball, in my opinion."
With a short period to put together a team, Ainge said the Celtics' priority is to add more size to the team. He also said they have no intentions of using the amnesty clause, that would void a player's contract this season and give the team some more cap relief.
