Speculation last month suggested that Rondo wanted to leave…
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Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck has insisted that he wants point guard Rajon Rondo to commit his long-term future to the franchise amid speculation he could leave.
Grousbeck caused a degree of drama on Sunday when he described Rondo as being “super stubborn” and questioned how coachable he is, but he moved to dismiss suggestions that he doesn’t want the point guard to be a fundamental part of the rebuild in Boston.
Having seen Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce leave last summer, Rondo is the last remaining player from the team that won an NBA championship in 2008, and there have been reports that he could follow them out the exit door ahead of becoming an unrestricted free agent next year.
Conflicting reports have suggested that the organisation want the point guard to be at the heart of their rebuild, and Grousbeck appeared to follow that line on Tuesday.
“It’s my goal to keep Rondo here,” Grousbeck said.
“I think we all want that. And I actually honestly think — he should speak for himself — I think Rajon wants to stay, or would be very happy to stay. And we’ll see how this season goes, and how the negotiations go, but he’s proud to be a Celtic. I know that. He’s proud to wear that [2008 title] ring and he deserved it.”
Meanwhile, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge was annoyed at being asked about Rondo’s future again; “Are you seriously asking me that again? Yes, we expect Rajon to be in Boston for the long term,” Ainge said. “Does that need to be asked any more by anybody ever again?”
Due to Rondo’s impending free agent status, it remains to be seen whether or not the Celtics are forced into considering a trade deal if they get the impression from the player that he will likely not sign a new deal.
However, for now, the attitude is positive that Rondo will remain in Boston for the foreseeable future and he will form an integral part of the Celtics becoming competitive again in the coming years.
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