Rajon Rondo denies that he wants out of Boston Celtics, while the Detroit Pistons are still interested in keeping Greg Monroe, NBA trade rumors 2014 updates indicated.
Rondo knows that his future with the Celtics is uncertain at this point as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer since he has already turned down a contract extension from the Celtics.
The 28-year-old point guard is expected to become one of the most coveted free agents next summer as several teams have already expressed desire to make a run at signing him, including the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets.
But in a recent interview during the Celtics' media day, Rondo reiterated that he wants to stay in Boston if given the chance, pointing out that he wants to continue playing for Celtics fans.
Rondo said that the fans have been very good to him in his first eight seasons in the league, while he also wants to express gratitude to team owner Wyc Grousbeck and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.
"The fans, the people here, make me want to stay," Rondo said in an NBA trade rumors 2014 update on Boston Globe. "The organization has been great. I can't say enough about Danny and Wyc. When I walk down the street, the fans embrace me from Day 1. Even when we won a championship, people don't just appreciate us winning. It's more of a thank you. It's a love for the game. These people here know the game and they care for it."
Rondo, who averaged 11.7 points to go along with 9.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds last season, will start the season on the sidelines as he is expected to rest for 6-8 weeks due to a broken hand.
Meanwhile, the Pistons are still expected to do all things necessary to keep Greg Monroe in Detroit.
Monroe signed a one-year qualifying offer to stay with the Pistons this season, which will make him an unrestricted free agent next summer.
While the Pistons were not willing to offer a max deal this offseason, Pistons owner Tom Gores said that keeping Monroe will be their priority next offseason.
"He's not just a good player, he's a great player," Gores said of Monroe in an NBA trade rumors 2014 update via Detroit Free Press. "We're committed to Greg and he's on our team now and we want Greg to be onboard for a long time and I think we'll have a good enough season where we'll attempt to do that with Greg."
Monroe, who will be playing in his fifth year in the league, averaged 15.2 points and 9.3 rebounds last season.
