I have two issues with this. One, the term "throw-in" has some unsavory attributes attached. It implies the "throw-in" is beyond the scope of the major pieces of the trade — that, say, Rondo and the No. 4 are the critical pieces, and Thompson is just a condiment to make the numbers work. That's obviously not true in the sense that it's likely (in my opinion) Boston wouldn't do the deal without Thompson, and Sacramento wouldn't do the deal with Thompson. Same with the Memphis-Sacramento rumor. Memphis sure as hell isn't giving up the No. 2 for the No. 4 without getting an extra piece of some quality. Sacramento, on the other end, won't be casual about making Thompson available.

When we're evaluating these types of rumors to figure out whether they make us happy or sad, we need to detach ourselves from the snap "I like JT!, so no!" reaction and really weigh everything. Don't fall into the rationale that "Rondo for the No. 4 sounds good to me, so I say no to the No. 4 plus Thompson." The question should be: is Rondo worth the No. 4 and Thompson? The question should be: is Rubio worth the No. 4 and Thompson?

I have trouble signing on to either idea. Things are too murky with Rubio's status to give an accurate answer as to whether he's worth it. I mean, with every passing day the hope that Rubio will be available at No. 4 grows in strength. With that in mind, it's impossible to advocate trading up. Geoff Petrie and Jason Levien will better know whether Memphis is in a position to pick him, or whether Oklahoma City will trade down so someone else can grab him. On Rondo, it's (again) tough to discern based on our vantage point. The idea that (again) Rubio could be available at No. 4 worries me — would you give up Rubio and Thompson for a player like Rondo? I probably would not, but I've got Ricky colored glasses on.