The Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets and the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly interested in acquiring Rajon Rondo if he decides to leave the Boston Celtics.

Rondo, who averaged 11.7 points to go along with 9.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds last season, could become an unrestricted free agent next summer if the Celtics fail to convince him to sign a contract extension.

And if Rondo hits free agency next summer, Sean Deveney of Sporting News said in an interview with the Celtics' blog that the Rockets are expected to be the most aggressive suitor, but teams who are willing to strike a sign-and-trade could outbid them.

"Houston is certainly one," Deveney said of teams who are expected to express interest in getting Rondo. "But I would keep an eye on teams willing to make sign-and-trades, and willing to play point guards together. Remember, a lot of teams have really good point guards but they are more like shooting guards."

According to Deveney, the Thunder--who have All-Star Russell Westbrook at point guard--have a good chance of acquiring Rondo via sign-and-trade deal because they have the assets to convince the Celtics to trade Rondo and the lineup to give the All-Star point guard a good chance of winning his second NBA title.

"The Thunder could be one to watch. They have pieces to shed in a sign-and-trade, and a Russell Westbrook-Rondo backcourt would be fascinating. Might not work financially, but it's a possibility," Deveney said.

The Hornets is also an intriguing option for Rondo, especially if they make significant improvements again in the upcoming season with the acquisition of Lance Stephenson, while the Mavericks are also expected to at least inquire about Rondo's interest in moving to Dallas.

"Charlotte has young pieces to offer and they've been slowly building toward making that one big move that pushes them to the next level. Not sure it's Rondo, but he would be an upgrade," Deveney said. "Dallas has pursued pretty much any big-time free agent it can, I would assume they'd at least express interest."

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