Boston Celtics Rumors: Rajon Rondo could return, Kevin Love trade remains a possibility and more

We are just a few days into free agency, but the Boston Celtics roster already looks very different to last season. Terry Rozier, Kyrie Irving, and Al Horford have all departed after growing increasingly discontent and the Celtics have managed to bring in Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter.

However, with the East continuing to get stronger, the Celtics are open to making further moves, and here are all the latest Boston updates that you need to know.

A Rajon Rondo return appears possible

Rajon Rondo spent the 18-19 season with the Los Angeles Lakers

Rajon Rondo was drafted 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2006 NBA draft, although he was immediately traded to the Celtics. Rondo went on to spend more than eight years with the franchise, during which he led the league in assists twice while helping the team to the 2008 championship.

The Celtics traded Rondo back in December of 2014, and Matt Burke of Metro is reporting that the point guard could return to Boston:

The Celtics may also be looking for some veteran leadership and bringing back Rondo is not entirely out of the question. It will all depend on where other free agents like DeMarcus Cousins and Danny Green wind up if they settle for somewhere around the vet minimum as well.

Rondo spent the 18-19 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran was expected to serve as a backup to Lonzo Ball, although injuries meant that Rondo started 29 times. In 29.8 minutes per game, he averaged 9.2 points, 8.0 assists and 5.3 rebounds.

The 33-year-old also came back to haunt the Celtics when he hit a 20-foot jumper as time expired during a 129-128 win on the road.

Celtics not interested in DeMarcus Cousins; will promote center from within

Despite speculation, DeMarcus Cousins won't be joining the Boston Celtics

Over recent days, the Boston Celtics have been linked with a surprise move for DeMarcus Cousins, although A. Sherrod Blakely of NBCSports is reporting that the Celtics won't be pursuing another big this summer:

For Boston’s quartet of bigs - Kanter, Williams III, Theis and Poirier - the time and opportunity to be a major player in the NBA is now. And while no one player can fill the void that’s left with Horford’s departure, one of these guys will be in the starting lineup on opening night.

The Celtics have lost Al Horford and Aron Baynes since the end of last season, while only bringing in Enes Kanter. However, it appears that the Celtics will favor promoting youth from within rather than signing another experienced big on a short-term deal.

Gordon Hayward could be offloaded for Kevin Love

Gordon Hayward has struggled for form during his time with the Celtics

Gordon Hayward joined the Boston Celtics back in the summer of 2017, and the then All-Star was expected to make a big impact. However, Hayward suffered a devastating season-ending injury just minutes into his debut, and after making his return this season, the 29-year-old struggled for form.

With the Celtics also looking to upgrade their options at power forward, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report believes that the team could attempt to swap Hayward for Kevin Love.

Hayward’s contract (two years, $66.9 million) has become a burden on Boston’s salary cap, and the C’s would likely have to attach draft picks to get rid of it. The Cavs would get the Celtics’ first-round picks in 2020 and 2022 essentially one for giving up Love and another for taking back Hayward’s contract.

Love himself is set to earn $120 million over the next four years, although the Celtics would be getting a much better player that could make an immediate impact.