Before training camp has even started, Rajon Rondo has been mentioned in trade rumors and is something Danny Ainge addressed on Thursday.

“If you’re worth your salt, you’ll be mentioned in a trade rumor somewhere along the line,’’ Ainge said. “That’s just part of the business that players have to learn to deal with.

“We love our players, and I think our players know that. I’ll talk to Rondo. Rondo knows that we love him. He knows that we like him and he’s excited to come back and play basketball.

“He gets a lot of attention. He’s a great player. There’s a lot of people who call me and ask me about Rondo.’’

Rondo was mentioned in trade rumors for Chris Paul.

“I’m not going to compare him to the other guys but I think he is one of the top point guards in the NBA,’’ said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. “I think Rondo has established that.

“Listen, there’s a reason whenever this thing leaked out that it was all over the news - it’s because the players that were both talked about were really good.

“Rondo has established that through his play. He is a great basketball player and does so many things for our team, he should be flattered in a lot of ways that this is news.’’