AP source: Celtics trade Rajon Rondo to Mavericks

The Celtics traded point guard Rajon Rondo to Dallas on Thursday night, cutting ties with the last remnant of Boston’s last NBA championship while giving Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks a chance at another title. The Celtics will send Rondo and forward Dwight Powell to Dallas for Jae Crowder, Brandan Wright, Jameer Nelson and two draft picks, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. Boston will acquire a first-round pick in next year’s draft and a second-rounder in 2016. The Celtics have eight first-round picks in the next four years. The Mavericks add a pass-first point guard – a four-time all-star – to team with Nowitzki, Monta Ellis and Chandler Parsons in what they hope will make them a contender again. Dallas is 19-8 this season and sixth in the Western Conference. – AP