When Rajon Rondo was traded to the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline this season, it was hard to predict what might occur. At the very least, you assumed the Mavs would improve simply based on adding another individual talent, and more importantly, a former champion.
Things went south for Rondo in Dallas, not only clashing with head coach Rick Carlisle, but having an adverse impact on the team while on the floor. He never reached that “Playoff Rondo” level that we’ve seen terrorize the league. Instead his play and presence only diminished through the postseason, as the Mavericks lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.
As an unrestricted free agent this summer, Rondo will likely sign elsewhere, but this stint with the Mavericks is assumed to affect his suitors. Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reports that one location is specifically expected to be an option for Rondo:
A darkhorse location for Rajon Rondo in free agency is Sacramento, where the Kings are entering a pivotal year in their franchise and could use a bona fide point guard. Darren Collison, coming off hip surgery, is the team’s scheduled starter for next season. Rondo, who didn’t appear interested in going to the Kings a few years ago, could use the club as a springboard to perhaps a larger contract if he signs a one-year deal. Rondo is also close friends with Kings forward Rudy Gay.
Rondo has been linked to the Kings before, and it’s possible that his options will be slim this summer depending on how his time with Dallas truly affected the general desire for his services.
It’s fair to assume that Rondo will have to settle for a short term signing rather than a multi-year pay day. Sacramento may not be the most appealing destination, but they do need a point guard. One such as Rondo with the likes of Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins might be dicey, or it might be just the competitive advantage they need to earn relevancy, but either way, it might be one of Rondo’s only options.
