Report: Rondo wants to test free agency next summer, Celtics not prioritizing trade, eyeing Bledsoe

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Now that the Kevin Love saga has wrapped up, let's turn our attention to Rajon Rondo, who is primed to be the next superstar on the market.

In a report from the Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, Rondo fully intends on becoming a free agent when his contract ends in the summer of 2015. Washburn notes that Rondo wants to be wined-and-dined, like free agents Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James were this summer.

The Celtics, however, are not yet prioritizing a Rondo trade, mostly because they've yet to determine if he factors into their future plans. He notes that the Celtics like Phoenix Suns restricted free-agent Eric Bledsoe as a potential replacement, although that's contingent on Bledsoe singing his qualifying offer and becoming an unrestricted free-agent next summer.

Rondo is 18 months removed from an ACL injury. He appeared in just 30 games for the Celtics last season wherein he averaged 11.7 points, 9.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game. 

When healthy, Rondo is a top-10 point guard in the league, capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor. He's a dogged defender and is one of the best passers in the league.

However, due to his ACL injury, Rondo's health is a question. The four-time All-Star has spent the entirety of his eight-year career in Boston, but the Celtics are now stuck in a rebuild, and notably drafted a potential replacement in Marcus Smart this summer. Therefore, it would make sense for Boston to sever ties.

If the Celtics do intend on severing ties, they would be best served to trade Rondo and recoup some value. However, that's complicated by Rondo's insistence on testing free-agency next summer, which means he's unlikely to sign an extension in the meantime. The Sacramento Kings have been linked to Rondo for quite some time. 

[H/T Eye on Basketball]