Dallas deal for Rondo, Celtics net trio

RajonRondo

Rondo, a part of the Celtics' 2008 championship-winning team, was included in a package deal with forward Dwight Powell sent to the Mavericks, while Boston received Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson and draft picks.

He makes the switch after 619 appearances - across both regular and post-season - with the TD Garden outfit.

Rondo is the current league leader in assists, averaging 10.8 assists per game this season.

"We would like to thank Rajon for everything that he has done for the Celtics organisation and the success we have experienced during his tenure with us," Celtics basketball operations president Danny Ainge said.

Celtics managing partners Wyc Grousbeck, Irv Grousbeck, Steve Pagliuca and Robert Epstein claimed their championship six years ago would not have happened without Rondo.

"We would not have won Banner 17 without Rajon and will always consider him one of our most valuable Celtics, both on the court and in the community working with kids. We will always cherish the time he was here," a statement read.

Dallas has managed an outstanding start, at 19-8, but ranks only sixth in the stacked Western Conference.

The big hole in its line-up - which includes star Dirk Nowtizki, guard Monta Ellis, center Tyson Chandler and forward Chandler Parsons - has been at point guard. Ellis is the Mavs' top assists man, at 4.7 per game.

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