I'm thinking that the only reason there are rumors about possible trades of Rondo or Perkins is because Ainge really likes Amare Stoudamire, who is rumored to be available for a high draft pick and an expiring contract.  Think about it.  Ray Allen is the expiring contract.  The proposed trade sending Perkins to Memphis was to get the #2 overall pick, which would then be flipped to Phoenix in a Stoudamire deal.  The proposed Rondo deal to Sacramento was to get the #4 pick, again to shipped to Phoenix.  I don't think that DA is trying to send a message to Rondo.  Nor that the team is trying to clear space to sign LeBron or one of the other top free-agents in 2010.  I doubt they are enamored with any of the top picks in the draft (players that would unlikely contribute to this year's championship run).  I think this is all about acquiring a star big man, an opportunity that doesn't come around very often.