A popular opinion around the NBA is that at some point this season or maybe the next one, the Boston Celtics are going to take the next step in their rebuilding process and trade Rajon Rondo. However, the often criticized point guard (for various reasons) doesn’t see it that way.

Rondo is being blamed for having a big hand in the falling apart of the Boston Celtics from title contenders to a team that won’t make the playoffs next season, not even close. First by driving away Ray Allen (although it was more than just not wanting to play next to Rondo that helped him make his mind and join the Miami Heat), and later by having Doc Rivers force his way out of the team, not wanting to be part of a rebuilding process with Rondo spearheading the group of players he was coaching.

According to his interview with CSNNE.com, I love it here. The fans are great here. And Danny has been straightforward with me. This is my team. Why would I want to leave? Why would I want out? I never really backed away from a challenge. This would be a challenge. I’m looking forward to working with coach Stevens. It’s a brand new start for us as a team. A lot of new players and a lot of young guys willing to listen, so I’m very excited about that.

Danny Ainge also said the Celtics aren’t tanking. He said a lot of things. The truth is that Rondo himself can’t tell what the future holds, and athletes aren’t usually completely honest with their intentions for business reasons, which is understandable.

The better way to look at it is trying to look from the most objective perspective as possible. The Celtics aren’t going to win a lot this season, and there’s a good chance that next year will be another hard one. The question that needs to be asked is how much patience does Rajon Rondo have to see this rebuild through, not to mention his contract expiring in two years. When you add all that up, it’s quite likely that we won’t be seeing him in Celtics uniform forever.