Two storied franchises, a historic rivalry that just rekindled itself just a few years ago, two aging teams searching for renewed dominance and two ownerships looking for that one piece that will return their teams to dominance. Who would’ve actually thought that the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers would even be entertaining the idea of a trade to help the other team? On Friday CBSSports.com reported that the two teams have discussed trading All-Stars. The rumored trade would swap injured guard Rajon Rondo for center Dwight Howard. But on Saturday Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak denied trade talks.
Kupchak told ESPN:
“I haven’t talked to Danny Ainge in weeks. I made the statement a week or two ago that we’re not going to trade Dwight Howard and that hasn’t changed.”
It is clear that Dwight Howard isn’t happen in L.A. and not gelling with teammate Kobe Bryant. Howard addressed the possibility of a trade saying that he would actually be “surprised” if the Lakers did trade him and that doing so would go against what they told him.
Howard told reporters in response to the rumors and his pending decision to resign with the Lakers:
“The only thing that matters is the present and right now. There’s no need to talk about what’s going to happen at the end of the season. No reason to go back and forth about it. I just feel like at the end of the year, I should have my opportunity to make my own decision. I shouldn’t be criticized for waiting for the end of the year.”
If there was any truth to the deal and if it were to happen, the Celtics would benefit from the deal now, as the team has been searching for a reliable big man who could control the boards. The Lakers would have to wait till next year as Rondo is out for the rest of the season. Imagine a back court of Kobe and Rondo? A front court of Howard and Garnett wouldn’t be so bad either for the Celtics, who have actually played better basketball without Rondo.
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday and only then will fans of both teams know if there is any truth or even possibility of this rumored trade.
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