Rajon Rondo To Dallas Mavericks Or Sacramento Kings? Western Teams Ready To Shed Cap Space With Celtics Guard As Primary Target! Will Rondo Move West Next Year?
Rajon Rondo has been upstaged as the Trade Rumor king. It seems like Celtics GM Danny Ainge will hold out till the end until he gets the best offer, or he might be willing to stake out until he becomes a free agent. Two Western teams are ready to challenge the Celtics for the star point guard: Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings.
The Houston Rockets have always been on the radar as they seem to have pursued any substantial free agent-and they are likely to do the same next year. However, two other teams are prepared to pounce on Rondo.
The Dallas Mavericks have Tyson Chandler's expiring contract as the main weapon to get Rondo. They can use his cap space to pursue Rondo and re-sign him with his Bird rights. From NESN:
"The Mavs are trying to wring a few last years of relevance out of the end of Dirk Nowitzki's career, and the strange thing is, it just might work. Monta Ellis was a revelation last season and Chandler Parsons adds another wing scorer to the mix. With nearly $20 million coming off the books next summer, throw in Rondo and Dallas could have the makings of a legitimate, if unconventional, threat in the West."
The Mavericks actually improved this season with Chandler Parsons. The only piece that they're missing is a quality point guard. If they execute their plan, their starting five next year would be Rondo, Monta Ellis, Parsons, Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler. Definitely contender material.
The Sacramento Kings also have a bloated expiring contract. Rudy Gay will receive close to $ 20 million this year, and they can use all that next year. They don't seem to mind whether Gay re-signs or not. They are also pursuing a trade for Josh Smith of the Pistons with the goal of using his affinity with Rondo.
A trio of Smith, Rondo and center DeMarcus Cousins would be a talented foundation but not the most ideal. But talent is always the first thing you pursue.
Danny Ainge understands that his star can walk away and that the longer he holds out this year, Rondo's value diminishes. Will Rondo end up with one of these teams?
