Watching Rajon Rondo help the Lakers win an NBA title this year was a bit of a bittersweet experience for Celtics fans. Rondo is still beloved in Boston; LeBron James and the Lakers... not so much.
Could Rondo's next move be a reunion with the Celtics, the team with which the now-34-year-old point guard spent his first eight and a half seasons and won a title in 2008?
It's an idea that seems to be picking up at least a little bit of steam. First came a report from LegionHoops on Saturday that the Celtics have "some minor interest" in bringing Rondo back. Rondo has a $2.69 million player option with the Lakers, but is expected to opt out.
Then on Sunday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers were in advanced talk to acquire guard Dennis Schroder from the Thunder.
The reports prior to this weekend were that the Lakers wanted to bring Rondo back, but the acquisition of Schroder is a clear sign that they are at least preparing for the possibility that Rondo may end up elsewhere.
Other reports have indicated that the Clippers also have interest in Rondo, so it certainly seems there will be some competition for his services.
Oddsmakers seem to view the 76ers and Bucks as possibilities, too. Philadelphia would mean a reunion with Doc Rivers, while Milwaukee would represent an opportunity to join a team looking to take the next step in its pursuit of a title.
From a Celtics perspective, Rondo could make sense as veteran point guard depth behind Kemba Walker, especially given Walker's injury concerns.
Rondo averaged 7.1 points and 5.0 assists while playing 20.5 minutes per game in the regular season for LA last season, but played a bigger role in the playoffs, averaging 8.9 points and 6.6 assists in 24.7 minutes per game.