The Rajon Rondo pursuit is unbelievable. NBA trade rumors are swirling around him this season. This is because he is the best player on any team that has no plans of contending. But his price tag is very high.

Boston Celtics GM Danny Ainge wants unprotected draft picks and young talent for his superstar, and he is ready to keep Rondo if the right offer does not materialize. However, that would entail the star's possible departure in Free agency next season.

From the Toronto Sun:

"It's no secret Boston has dangled four-time all-star Rajon Rondo league-wide and while the asking price is steep, he has piqued the interest of Toronto's front office, according to multiple sources. Toronto is eager to up its "star" quotient and is also enamoured with Rondo's resume, particularly his four all-defensive team selections (two all-NBA first team). He has many backers in the organization.

However, Rondo tore his ACL just over a year ago, has only played in 10 contests this season and will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2015 after earning $12.9 million next year."

If the Raptors would pursue Rondo, they would have to surrender their draft pick, offer a young star like DeMar DeRozan as well as expiring contracts (the Raptors have a lot from the Rudy Gay trade and above all that, they might have to take a bad contract (Gerald Wallace) from the Celtics. It is unlikely that Danny Ainge will accept anything less than that.

Lowry is expected to get an offer ranging from the $8-10 million range. If he made the All-star game (which he should have) the value would be higher. Given the number of teams with cap space, it's likely that a team might overpay him and offer a $12 million paycheck. Masai Ujiri, Raptors GM, does not want to the Raptors to be that team. He would rather pay Rondo that type of money.

But is Rondo worth it? We have yet to see how far post-ACL injury Rondo can go. That's quite a lot to give up for a superstar.