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Most often, fans are the last to know on trade developments. We look for rumors where we can but we never really have the inside scoop.
Celtics director of player development Austin Ainge delivered a message: Be careful what information you trust. Or better yet, trust nothing. "Ignore all of it. It’s all planted on purpose," Ainge said of the Celtics mentality toward reports this time of year. "Anyone who’s willing to talk – even off the record – this time of year has an agenda and is trying to accomplish something. So we ignore absolutely all of it."
With that said, sometimes a team will discuss potential plans with their star player. Someone like Rajon Rondo perhaps.
"You never know what Danny [Ainge] is capable of doing," Rondo said. "I can’t tell you too much. We want to be contenders as well next year. We don't plan on being down for too long. I think Danny has a lot of wiggle room with what he's done the last couple years with the draft so I'm looking forward to what's going to happen so hopefully [Carmelo] doesn't go to Chicago." Rondo continued: "After we try to get Melo, or that additional piece, then who knows? The sky's the limit. I play to try to win a championship every year. And with Melo I think it's very possible."
It is interesting that this is the second time this summer that Rondo has (unprompted) brought up the possibility of getting Melo. Make of this what you will.