Yesterday the Boston Celtics sent All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks. He was traded for Brandon Wright, Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson and draft picks. Rondo has averaged 11 points, 8.5 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals in his nine seasons with the Celtics.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens and rookie Marcus Smart had some things to say about the Rondo deal.
Brad Stevens on Rondo joining the Mavs: “I’m sorry we have to play them one more time, because certainly I don’t want to play against them.” Stevens said he told Rondo, “Hey Rajon. Thanks for everything you’ve done. You’ve left a great legacy.”
Smart: “We’re a little disappointed but we’re also happy for Rondo.”
Ex-teammate and close friend of Rondo, Kendrick Perkins of the Oklahoma City Thunder also had something to say about the Rondo trade: “He wanted out, but he would never say that though,” Perkins told Yahoo Sports. “He was cool, happy. He was excited. He’s going to a contender. “Going to nice weather, a contender,” Perkins said. “Hopefully, he will do what he got to do in terms of his contract extension. It’s a great opportunity. I’m happy for him. I’m not happy he is in the West, but I’m happy for him. His time was probably up in Boston. He did his due.”
The Celtics look to start a new chapter with the 2008 championship all torn to bits and look forward to the future. A new beginning you could say.