Ainge: trading Rondo is unlikely

WALTHAM, Mass. (WPRI/AP) - Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge denied rumors about the possible trade of starting point guard Rajon Rondo at a press conference Tuesday.

"We love Rajon, and I think everybody in here knows how good of a player he is and what sort of a bright future he has," Ainge said, according to BostonCeltics.com .

The Celtis GM also said the team will try to get back to the top of the NBA without counting on help in the draft.

The Celtics, who won the NBA title in 2008 but lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, hold only one pick in Thursday night’s draft: The 28th pick in the second round. Few players picked that low ever see significant playing time.

Ainge said he thinks it’s unlikely the team will make a deal to move up.