NBA Trade Rumors: Rajon Rondo To New York? Boston Celtics Already Set Their Backcourt For The Future! Phil Jackson Plans To Build New Big Three In The Big Apple!

The NBA Trade rumors have shifted from Kevin Love after more than a year of speculation. Now, it's Rajon Rondo's turn. The All-star guard is not buying into a slow rebuild and the Boston Celtics know it.

Danny Ainge is not one to lose an asset for nothing. He understands that stars can dictate their destination through free agency. He does not want to make the same mistake that the LA Lakers did by not trading Dwight Howard when he already had his mind set on leaving.

In fact, Ainge seems to be laying the groundwork for Rondo's departure. From Sir Charles In Charge:

"At this point, it seems like a done deal that Rajon Rondo is done in Boston. General manager Danny Ainge drafted two guards, Marcus Smart and James Young, in the 2014 NBA draft and re-signed Avery Bradley to a four-year, $32 million deal this offseason. With a crowded backcourt, the only question left is where will Rondo be traded?"

Most teams would ask for some kind of assurance that the player will sign an extension with the team. Technically, that's not allowed under league rules so it's limited to a 'gentleman's agreement' which would not be legally binding.

But the question on where Rondo will end up was ultimately answered:

"Ultimately, I foresee Rondo traded to the New York Knicks for some combination of Amar'e Stoudamire's expiring contract, but there might be a few fireworks in the process."

Grantland's  Jalen Rose also mentioned that in a video podcast with Bill Simmons-even singing a line from "New York, New York."

There are many advantages if he signs with the Knicks: The willingness to overpay, the largest market in the world and they do have a resident superstar in Carmelo Anthony. If Derek Fisher turns out to be a mini-Phil Jackson, then Rondo may as well have hit the jackpot.

But why would the Knicks trade for Rondo when they can sign him outright as a free agent next year? There are other teams with cap space that could pose a risk-specifically the Blue and Gold team out West. Trading for Rondo means acquiring his "Bird rights" and being able to offer a five year contract which other teams can't match. It's the same reason why Carmelo is still a Knick.