Rajon Rondo’s performance in the playoffs highlighted why the Celtics have considered trading him, and also why they asked a very steep price for him.

Rondo was suspended for the second game of the first-round series against the Hawks, and his absence could have meant an early ousting. If not for a Paul Pierce explosion and a strong bench contribution in Game 2 against Atlanta, there might not have been a second-round series against the 76ers, much less a seven-game Eastern Conference finals against the Heat.

When Rondo bumped referee Marc Davis in Atlanta on April 29, he crossed the line of being able to control his emotions. That impetuousness, combined with a penchant for defensive gambles and an inconsistent perimeter shot, have exasperated the Celtics for most of the last five years.

But as the playoffs continued, Rondo appeared to be moving past all of that. His 44-point game against the Heat showed what he can accomplish individually. Other statistics - 16 double-digit assist games, a team-leading 20.9 points per game against the Heat, 6.9 rebounds per game against Miami (second on the team) - indicate Rondo is achieving high-level consistency.

Rondo and the Celtics have had a stormy relationship at times. But after these playoffs, the bonds appear to have been strengthened - at least until the next suitor comes along with a proposition.

Most of the Celtics seemed to accept their fate after a 101-88 loss to the Heat in Game 7 Saturday night. It could have been the final game together for the Ray Allen-Kevin Garnett-Paul Pierce trio.

But Rondo remained defiant, contending the Celtics’ downfall was the result of simply missing shots they normally make.

“We had some great looks,’’ he said. “Paul, Ray, myself, Kevin. We just didn’t knock them down. They got to the loose balls, offensive rebounds, and made plays and executed offensively.’’