Perkins thinks this trade candidate could help fix C's issues

Share

The Boston Celtics have struggled to live up to expectations this season. Despite having budding stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the roster along with Kemba Walker, the team has stumbled out of the gate to a 15-17 record.

While there are many things to blame for the C's issues, Kendrick Perkins recently pointed out the two things that the team is missing on NBC Sports Boston's Celtics Pregame Live. He also offered a potential trade candidate to help the team with those issues.

Forsberg: Why waiting until offseason to use TPE is a dangerous game

"Guess what the Celtics are missing? Leadership, right. They're also missing a floor general," Perkins said. "It's going to take time for JT and JB to be able to develop into floor generals because they're so young."

So, what floor general does Perkins think that the Celtics should look into acquiring? How about Rajon Rondo.

"Right now, I'm looking at the Atlanta Hawks, and guess what? Rondo is not fitting in well over there. Bring Rondo back home!" Perkins said, "We all know when Rondo elevates his game what he's capable of doing. Just ask the Lakers. They're struggling without him."

Perkins and Rondo were teammates in Boston for a few seasons, so he can speak well to Rondo's potential impact and skill set.

Celtics Talk Podcast: Searching for positives with Chad Finn, plus dunk talk with Time Lord | Listen & subscribe | Watch on YouTube

Perk went on to discuss how the C's could opt to play small with Rondo around. He could act as a distributor to get the ball to Brown, Tatum, and Walker and it would open up more space for all of them to operate within.

So far this season, Rondo is averaging 3.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while playing just 14.9 minutes per game behind Trae Young. And Rondo's 8.6 assists per 36 minutes rank 12th-most in the NBA among players to play at least 200 minutes this season.

Rondo would certainly add a stabilizing force to the C's second unit and would give the team a great distributor to start when Walker is sidelined.

That said, Rondo, 35, is making $7.5M this season, so the C's would have to either use part of the Hayward traded player exception to get him or swap a couple of players to acquire him. For example, Romeo Langford and Jeff Teague would meet the financial requirements needed to make a deal for Rondo.

However, Danny Ainge probably wouldn't want to send away too much for Rondo in the twilight of his career. He also may not want to take on Rondo's $7.5M contract beyond this season. But perhaps if the Hawks and Rondo reach a buyout agreement, he could be in play for the C's.

Rondo coming to Boston is a novel idea either way, so maybe Perkins is on to something.

Contact Us