I would actually do a deal of that vein--I like Rondo that much. Either JT or Hawes would do it for me, although they would probably want Hawes because they already have tons of hustling role players and they'd prefer someone to stretch the defense. I know this goes against the saying "Never trade big for small", but Rondo's just so terribly unique--he's a point guard who plays big with his rebounding ability, can be an All-NBA defender, he's one of the best (and most unselfish) point guards in the league, and he's still very very young. We can certainly use that style of game, he's a legitimate all-star in future years, and he can instantly make many of our players (particularly Kevin) better.
I don't really want to let go of Hawes, but if this is the trigger to get the deal done, we have to go for it. Hawes obviously has tons of potential with his ability to pick and pop, spot up for threes and show off moves in the paint, and he's competitive, but he's only an average rebounder even for PF standards and he really tailed off in his shooting ability and defense towards the end of last year, and shows signs of inconsistency. He'll be very good for years to come, but I doubt as good as Rondo is right now--and shooting big men is actually quite common nowadays, while Rondo's skillset is unique. If Hawes and the #4th pick (we don't need the 4th pick, or Rubio or anyone else for that matter, if we get Rondo) is all that is needed to get this deal going, it needs to happen.
...I still don't know why Rondo is on the block--the Celts would be stupid if they think Tyreke Evans is their savior, and I think their belief that they sorely need an insurgence of productive youth is the impetus for the trade--but w/e.
