Ian Begley, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Stein: Knicks, Celtics talk trade for Rondo

The New York Knicks are one of several teams that the Boston Celtics have engaged in trade discussions involving point guard Rajon Rondo, sources have told ESPN.com’s Marc Stein.

The Dallas Mavericks appear to have the best shot to land Rondo at this point, Stein reports.

The Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers have also talked to Boston about Rondo, but Dallas is in the “most advanced talks,” Stein reports.

That the Knicks have engaged the Celtics in talks regarding Rondo is intriguing. On one hand, they have to at least talk to the Celtics if Rondo is available. But is he a good fit for them?

The triangle offense values a guard’s ability to shoot and distribute, more so than it does his ability to get to the rim.

Rondo, who is expected to test free agency this summer, has never been a strong shooter.

But he would be a significant upgrade at point guard for the Knicks, who, led by Jose Calderon, are off to a horrendous 5-22 start.

The Knicks, according to a league source, have been “very active” working the phones since Dec. 15, the date at which free agents can be traded.

When thinking about trades and the Knicks, it’s worth noting that Phil Jackson said earlier this month that he’d only consider trading for a player that was a good long-term fit for the organization.

It’s also worth wondering what the Knicks would be able to give up for Rondo. The Dallas Mavericks, according to Stein's report, are talking to Boston about a package that includes multiple picks, including at least one first-rounder, and young big man Brandan Wright.

The Knicks’ earliest first-round pick that can be included in a trade is 2018, and, judging by the way the roster has performed, the trade values of players currently on the roster aren’t exactly at an all-time high these days.

If the Knicks traded for Rondo, it would likely be with the assurance that he’d sign a long-term contract with them. That development, obviously, would eat up a significant portion of their 2015 cap space.

Question: Do you think the Knicks should pursue a deal for Rondo?

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