This trade rumor is likely more rumor than fact, but the Lakers and Celtics have had preliminary discussions on a Howard-for-Rondo deal, but a swap "hasn't gained any traction," according to CBS Sports' Ken Berger. If a deal were to come together, the Celtics would have to send back more pieces (maybe Brandon Bass and a young player) to make the financials work. Making a deal for Rondo, who is out for the season with a torn ACL, would be a nod from Lakers' brass that they're calling it a season. UPDATE: ESPN reports that Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak denied any Howard-for-Rondo talks ever took place.
Berger writes there are a couple of obstacles:
First, as Howard said Friday, the Lakers continue to insist they won't trade him, which sources say is the impression the Celtics have gotten, too. Second, Celtics president Danny Ainge would not trade Rondo without an assurance that Howard would re-sign with Boston as a free agent this summer, a league source said. Howard has shown no inclination to commit to anyone, including the Lakers, until the season is over.If nothing gets done before the February 21 trade deadlines, the talks could resume after the season. But Berger points out issues with waiting:
In that case, Howard would have to agree to a sign-and-trade to the Celtics that would only yield him a four-year deal as opposed to the five years the Lakers could offer him (or the Celtics, if he were traded there by Feb. 21 and subsequently re-signed). The Celtics could only acquire Howard in a sign-and-trade if they eschewed their full mid-level and remained below the so-called luxury-tax apron, a threshold $4 million above the tax line that was added in the 2011 collective bargaining agreement.One thing is clear from the story: Howard isn't happy in Los Angeles. At least at the moment. At least not at the moment. Winning can be a cure for those ills. Rumors won't.
Photo: Howcheng.
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