The Boston Celtics have been turning down offers for Rajon Rondo over the past few weeks, but sources indicated that the Celtics would consider moving the star point guard if the right offer comes along before the deadline.
Recent reports suggested that the Celtics will trade Rondo before Thursday's deadline, but only for a very steep price, such as a package involving two unprotected first-round picks.
The New York Knicks have been the most aggressive suitor of Rondo, but reports indicated that the Toronto Raptors and the Sacramento Kings have been expressing strong interests in trading for the All-Star point guard.
The Toronto Sun reported that the Raptors are strongly considering acquiring Rondo to upgrade their point guard rotation, anticipating that Kyle Lowry will not be with the team anymore before the trade deadline or after the current season when the veteran playmaker hits free agency.
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"It's no secret Boston has dangled four-time all-star Rajon Rondo league-wide and while the asking price is steep, he has piqued the interest of Toronto's front office, according to multiple sources. Toronto is eager to up its "star" quotient and is also enamored with Rondo's resume, particularly his four all-defensive team selections," the Toronto Sun reported.
It is still unclear at this point what the Raptors are planning to offer in a deal for Rondo.
Meanwhile, the Kings are also reportedly making a strong push for Rondo, and sources said that Sacramento have already sent an offer to the Celtics.
According to Mark Spears of Yahoo Sports, the Kings and the Celtics had initial discussions about a trade that would send Rondo to Sacramento in exchange for emerging point guard Isaiah Thomas, rookie Ben McLemore, and a first-round pick.
However, talks have stalled at this point because the Kings want a commitment from Rondo that he'll sign a long-term extension, but the 27-year-old point guard is reportedly not yet ready to sign a contract extension.
The Kings are not ready to part ways with McLemore, the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, without a long-term commitment from Rondo, who will become a free agent after the 2014-15 NBA season.
"Source said Kings and C's discussed a deal involving Isaiah Thomas, Ben McLemore and a pick for Rajon Rondo, but Rondo wasn't interested in re-signing with Sacramento and the Kings strongly value McLemore," Spears noted.
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