Is Danny Trading? #Celtics

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The Boston Celtics have found themselves in a peculiar situation thus far in the 2013-14 season.  Expected by anyone with a pulse to tank miserably this year, Boston has defied logic. Even despite clearing house this summer, and not having the benefit of Rajon Rondo on the court yet. Boston currently sits in the middle of the playoff picture.  The problem here is, the Celtics were looking to rebuild, set themselves up for a high draft pick via the lottery. 

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The NBA's Eastern Conference this season is extremely weak. There is Miami, Indiana and then everyone else. Chicago is rebuilding, NY is a mess, and who knows what is going in Brooklyn. This means it may actually be easier, or more likely for the Celtics to make the post season then not. Tanking may not be an option. Here is were things get murky. If Danny Ainge (Celtics Pres of Operations) decides to take a long shot and slay Goliath aka Miami in the playoffs,  he will have to risk the near and long term future to do so. On the other hand if he is to continue to believe (unofficially of course) that tanking this year will hopefully benefit the club's long term legacy, then he will certainly have to undergo  a few trades. Lately there have been no shortage of rumors surrounding the Celtics. Ainge clearly is pondering a few offers, whatever his motives are. 

Rajon Rondo continues to edge closer to a return to the hardwoods. Sidelined since last January with a knee injury the Celtics will be a better team upon his return. Celtic's Insider Donny Marshall reported yesterday the Celtics and Sacramento Kings are close to a deal featuring Rondo. Although his colleague A Sherrod Blakely denied those rumors. 

Rondo's prior attitude issues and the question on his ability to gel with this new squad and coach,  have raised concerns in Boston. This makes Rondo's return a potential no win scenario. If they are trying to tank and he performs well, then that is counter productive. On the other hand if he struggles Rondo will loose trade value for the future. 

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The Celtics have also been  mentioned quite often in trade rumors involving Houston big man Omer Asik. ESPN is reporting that the Celtics are "increasingly active" on talks for Asik. Disgruntled by the lack of playing time since the arrival of Dwight Howard it seems Houston wants to pull the trigger on a deal to move Asik, by there own Dec 19th  deadline. ESPN has stated that Celtic forward Brandon Bass is suspected to be involved in this deal. 

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