Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

The Celtics were unlikely to field a team capable of competing for a title, especially since they would like have to go through the revamped Cavs who have already been unofficially crowned the new NBA titans.

But the Celtics could have least been respectable, and if not that, perhaps they could have traded Rondo for an impact player whom the team could control for the next few years.

You can forget about that.

“They’re not gonna be able to trade this guy,” says Tanguay.

Minihane agrees, saying Rondo’s trade value is “shot”.

Is it too early to start looking ahead to the 2015-16 season?

CSNNE – Minihane: Rondo’s trade value is shot

In the link there’s a video of Tanguay and Minihane suggesting the possibility he broke his hand roller skating, then finding out on air that he broke it at home in a freak accident. Around the 2:30 mark of the video, both guys admit they ‘don’t want him here’. Sigh.

I feel bad for Rondo. Falling in the shower does kinda seem like a cliché excuse, but there isn’t much reason to assume otherwise. Six to eight weeks for recovery sucks too — especially for a guy who missed last year’s training camp, but he’ll still be around, still be able to condition, and still able to help Smart. Some may assume Rondo wants nothing to do with helping Smart take his position, but as far as the record’s gone this far, he’s been very welcoming.

Even if Rondo is pissed the Celtics drafted Smart, he’s got reason to be. Scenario: imagine your work at State Farm and your boss sends all your favorite coworkers to another office in New York.  Remember that time he tried to send you out for Cliff Paul? And now they spent their biggest asset on someone who does exactly what you do. Combine that with your boss’s boss telling people you’re uncoachable, and it isn’t hard to see why one may be unhappy.

Maybe State Farm agents don’t make $12mil a year, but you get the idea…

In my opinion, the thing is that Rondo is smart enough to see the whole picture. Maybe he’s mad, maybe that’s even how he broke his hand. But he’s still smart enough to wrap his head around why Danny’s done and tried what he has. Rondo — like Ainge — wants the C’s to raise banners again.

My theory is Danny Ainge continues to do his job seeing if a trade that makes sense is out there, but doesn’t find a fair one. In exchange for peace of mind, Rondo stays in Boston on a reasonable contract with a No-Trade Clause embedded. Thus ends the perennial headaches Rondo has dealt with in trade rumors, Ainge saves enough to remain flexible and shrewd, and the Celtics have three guards capable of playing pit bull defense all the way into June.

Page 2: Chris Babb thanks Boston

It’s been a great experience in Boston. Nothing but respect for everyone in the organization and the city. Excited to see what’s next

— Chris Babb (@ChrisBabb52) September 27, 2014

 

  The rest of the links: Boston.com – What’s the real story behind Rajon Rondo’s injury, and what does it mean for the Celtics Celticsblog – Celtics waive, then re-sign Christian Watford | Boston Celtics Roster Reset: Training Camp Edition Grantland – Money Talks: Why Phoenix had to sign Eric Bledose