Pacers talk to Celtics about Rondo deal

As Boston Celtics executive manager Danny Ainge aggressively pursues feasible deals for Rajon Rondo, the Indiana Pacers have emerged as an intriguing suitor for that stage guard, league sources instructed Yahoo! Jeu.

For that previous few days, Pacers officials and third-party surrogates have been producing calls and gathering information and perception into Rondo's popularity as a teammate and leader, resources mentioned.

The Pacers and Celtics have mentioned the preliminary framework of the offer, but two resources said Indiana would want a third team to supply Boston with the expertise it hopes to do a deal. The Celtics are most likely trying to collect the essential pieces to make a bid for Ainge's supreme target: New Orleans stage guard Chris Paul, sources mentioned.

It had been unclear when the Pacers had begun to attain out to broaden discussions, but there was an expectation they'd do so.

The Celtics happen to be gauging Rondo's trade value for over a calendar year, and have held discussions with groups about him throughout the past couple of trade deadlines and NBA drafts. There have long been divides within Boston's front workplace, coaching team and locker space about Rondo. He is usually moody, tough and stubborn, and several league resources were dubious when the Pacers' youthful coach, Frank Vogel, would've the stature to cope with Rondo.

Boston could be trying to collect players to create a additional appealing bid for Paul, resources said. New Orleans has demonstrated no fascination in a offer that would incorporate Rondo and any mixture of Celtics teammates. Nevertheless, New Orleans GM Dell Demps is determined to get greatest value for Paul, if it really is distinct the purpose guard sees his long term elsewhere. Demps has no desire to basically allow Paul walk away as being a free of charge agent to The big apple.

Most teams inside the league are engaging New Orleans about Paul, whose intentions are to obtain towards the The big apple Knicks as a free of charge agent in the summer season of 2012. Paul does have some history in Oklahoma Metropolis, getting played there with the Hornets inside the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, however the Thunder have resisted dialogue on the Paul-for-Russell Westbrook offer, resources stated.

The Thunder are prepared to make Westbrook a significant agreement present in all probability a maximum offer in the close to future.