Rival executives say that Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has been firm in his stance that Rajon Rondo will not be dealt. But many of those same executives believe that Ainge has to trade Rondo, to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.
Ainge has indicated a desire to re-sign Rondo. Rondo has indicated, on multiple occasions, his desire to stay. It doesn't necessarily mean it will happen.
Rondo's representatives are said to be pursuing a max contract—five years and an estimated $106 million if he stays in Boston, four years and about $79 million if he signs elsewhere.