NBA Trade Deadline: Detroit Pistons Could Be Third Team In On Rajon Rondo Deal

Feb 9, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard

(9) passes the ball as Dallas Mavericks point guard

(right) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets feel like they can make a deep run in the playoffs. Dwight Howard has fit perfectly with the team  and although Jeremy Lin has been serviceable they could use a little more talent in the back court to make hopes for a deep playoff run become a reality. That is why it is rumored that the Rockets are interested in Rajon Rondo and are willing to meet the Celtics steep asking price.

Well almost.

It is being reported by ESPN’s Mark Stein and others that the Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics are in trade discussions about Rajon Rondo.  The deal would send two first round picks and some players up to Boston for Rajon Rondo.  At issue are the other players being offered.  ESPN’s Mark Stein tweeted earlier that a deal with Rondo hinges on the availability of Chandler Parsons.

The Rockets are very interested in acquiring Rajon Rondo but unwilling to sacrifice young talent to do it.

Enter the Detroit Pistons.

Now its just a theory but what if the Detroit Pistons could offer Greg Monroe as the young talented front court player the Celtics would require, they could acquire some young talent themselves in return and pick up a draft pick.  Here is how a three team deal would look.

Boston Celtics Get:

• Greg Monroe from Pistons
• Jeremy Lin from Rockets
• 1 st round pick 2014

Houston Rockets Get:

• Rajon Rondo from Celtics

Detroit Pistons Get:

• Terrence Jones from Rockets
• 2nd Round pick 2014

Why would the Pistons do this trade? Here are a few reasons:

• They avoid having to sign Greg Monroe to a huge contract this offseason and get something in return.
• They get to move Monroe out of the PF position and let Josh Smith play where he is most comfortable.
• Gain a front court player in Terrence Jones with plenty of upside at a bargain price.

With this trade scenario all teams get what they want and the Pistons get another pick (albeit in the  2nd round) in what could be the richest NBA draft in years.  Before you start typing a “you are crazy” comment at this end of this post just remember Joe Dumars has pulled off miracle trades like this before.  In fact he built a championship team off of his ability to make deals just like this. 

Tell us what you think would you be willing to part with Greg Monroe in a deal like this?