The Boston Celtics are reportedly going to seriously listen to trade offers for star point guard Rajon Rondo this offseason, and there is expected to be a ton of trade interest in him. Teams like the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Indiana Pacers have been mentioned quite a few times in recent history in trade talks for Rondo. That being said, there are three “darkhorse” teams that could make a run at Rondo this offseason.

1. Sacramento Kings

While the Kings might not be a championship contender this coming season, they certainly would be a playoff-caliber team with Rondo running the point for them. They could very well be losing starting point guard Isaiah Thomas this offseason, and they really need to bring in a point guard that wants to be a playmaker in the passing game. Thomas was a great scorer this past season, but he did cause some issues with their best scorers like DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay wanting the basketball. Rondo would add the pass-first point guard that would fit their offense perfectly.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves are a very intriguing team to keep an eye on, especially as they look to trade their own star, Kevin Love. If the two teams decided to talk about a trade, it would likely be centered around an exchange of the two stars. Boston would be getting the type of player that could change the future of their franchise with Love, and the Wolves would be getting a true point guard who they can depend on each and every night. It certainly seems like this trade makes sense for both teams, but it is something that would be difficult for both franchises to pull the trigger on.

3. Dallas Mavericks

Mark Cuban has made it clear that he wants to bring in another star to play alongside Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis, so why not bring in a playmaker at the point guard position? The Mavericks could offer some intriguing young pieces to the Celtics like Shane Larkin and Jae Crowder. If the two sides did make a deal, the Mavericks would be making it clear that they want to make one last run at a championship with Nowitzki being a core leader.

Overall, these three teams all have a reason and need to acquire a player like Rondo. He adds great defense, passing, and an improved scoring ability that makes him an even bigger threat. That being said, the price tag that it will take to acquire him will be very high. Teams need to see what they can do to get him away from the Celtics are a reasonable deal, and make sure that they don’t fold and overpay for him.

Evan Massey is a Staff Writer for HoopsHabit.com.