Mark Cuban Checked With Monta Ellis Before Rondo Trade

The Dallas Mavericks made the first blockbuster trade of the NBA season, acquiring Rajon Rondo from the Boston Celtics.

The move strengthens Dallas' weakest position, but critics of the move pointed to potential chemistry problems as an issue. Rondo has a reputation for being hard to get along with, which is why no one had pulled the trigger on a move to get the four-time All-Star even though the Celtics had talked about trading him for the past few years.

Owner Mark Cuban had these concerns as well, so he went to Monta Ellis - who will be Rondo's backcourt mate and had a similar reputation when the Mavs acquired him - before finalizing the trade.

It seems as though Dallas is willing to work with Rondo, largely because they need him to compete in the Western Conference. They've gotten off to a blistering 19-8 start, but find themselves sixth in the West.

The Mavs next game is Saturday night at home against the San Antonio Spurs.