The Clippers have interest in signing veteran point guard Rajon Rondo and are expected to pursue him when free agency opens, sources tell Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter link).
Rondo holds a minimum-salary player option worth about $2.69MM for the 2020/21 season, but the point guard is expected to opt out and seek a raise after playing a key role in helping the Lakers win their 17th championship.
Having returned from a broken thumb during the second round vs. Houston, Rondo averaged 8.9 PPG, 6.6 APG, 4.3 RPG, and 1.4 SPG in 16 games (24.7 MPG) off the bench. He even provided some reliable outside shooting, knocking down 40.0% of 3.1 three-point attempts per game during the postseason.
The Lakers are “naturally” determined to re-sign Rondo following his impressive playoff showing, but their L.A. rivals are eager to upgrade their point guard position, Stein notes (via Twitter).
Multiple reports in September indicated that the Clippers will likely target a play-making point guard this offseason, and Rondo would certainly fit that bill. The opportunity to hurt the defending champions by stealing away an important part of their rotation likely appeals to the Clips as well.
The Lakers will hold Rondo’s Early Bird rights, giving the team the ability to offer him a starting salary worth up to approximately $10MM (105% of the league-average salary in the previous season), though contracts signed using the Early Bird exception must run for at least two years, without a second-year option.
The Clippers, meanwhile, could have the full mid-level exception available, depending on what happens with some of their own free agents. The MLE projects to be worth over $9MM, so that would give the club plenty of spending flexibility to make a run at Rondo.
There is no way Rondo leaves the Lakers where he is a fundamental piece for the dysfunctional Clippers, and for a similar salary.
I love that Rondo has gotten the respect he deserves at the end of his career. Yes, his game is flawed but if you don’t appreciate his passing ability, knowledge of the game and ability to grab a ton of boards for a guy his size, you don’t appreciate hoops.
I love it. Clippers fans said Rondo was terrible and they were so much better off with Beverley on a terrible contract and landing Reggie Jackson off the buyout market. Now they want the Lakers point guard and already hired the coach who the fans said was LeBrons puppet. What a horrible year for the Clippers.
Laker fan that’s on the fence. It would be great to sign him for 2/$10M. Otherwise he is getting up there in age and he gets injured a lot. Might have just witnessed his cherry on top.
Using Early Bird Rights, the Lakers can make that second year non-guaranteed, right — making it a quasi-one-year-deal? Or am I misremembering…
I haven’t double-checked that lately to remind myself, which is why I didn’t mention it in the story, but yeah, I’m pretty sure the second year can be non-guaranteed.
Stupid Clippers. Move to Seattle and leave us alone!
If Rondo gets to be a starter, if he wants to be a starter on LAC…
If Bradley or Caruso get moved…
Predict he will wait to see if they or Lou & Pat get traded.
Lue said they would go younger, but if those trade(s) are made, it would mean more minutes for Shamet, Mcgruder & Mann. Maybe older Reggie Jackson if he stays too.
Tell me who predict this one month ago
I remember Sillivan.., you did. About 38.6% of your predictions have been coming through according to Big Joey at the liquor store down on the corner of Atlantic and 98th. You need to get that percentage up a little to receive gold stars from folks other than me. Looking forward to your draft analysis in the coming weeks. Keep up the good work Buddy.
One month ago I predict Clippers sign rondo 2 years 12 million
Yep, Rondo Clippers 2 years 12 million
Crowder Dallas 3 years 30 million.
Knicks VanVleet max contract 140 million.
totally remember dude. Lets see, shall we?
Oh yeah, and you also had Harrell for 25 million.
yeah, giving other people money is very easy, lol, Silly an.
yeah, giving other people money is very easy, lol, Silly van.
Reggie Jackson has really fallen in last few yrs. He’s gotta be a big disappointment. Rondo has always been a real PG. One who plays both ways. Yes his offense can go wrong. But his leadership or decision making doesn’t. Rondo is probably best as the third guard. But he can still give you 30 mins if you need it. His biggest asset is in the playoffs. As he showed this yr. Always been a Rondo fan. Can you believe Beverley got 12-13 mill. And Rondo the minimum. Tells you teams are not as smart as we think. Chemistry is so huge when it comes to contenders. I’m sure Lakers want to keep Rondo. But even on Bucks he could make a difference. So why wouldn’t a contender offer him ME. For 2-3 yrs he’s worth it.
You know, a contract with the Bucks is an interesting proposition. They would have to outbid the Lakers obviously, but Rondo could take over for Bledsoe during his inevitable postseason struggles. The Bucks could also just deal Bledsoe for a shooter and roll with Rondo and more of an offense-oriented point guard in Hill off the bench