Rajon Rondo was expected to be the top free agent entering the 2015 offseason. However, an early season trade from the Boston Celtics to the Dallas Mavericks had most assuming Rondo would never see the free agent market. Much like Kevin Love with the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was being reported the Mavericks would re-sign the point guard in the offseason before other teams had a chance to make a go at him. However, that might not be the case anymore as friction with the coaching staff is creating headlines.
Rondo's tension with head coach Rick Carlisle was on full display Tuesday night when the point guard got into a shouting match with the coach causing the star to be benched midway through the third quarter. According to ESPN.com, the issues between the two stem from Rondo wanting more responsibility when it comes to play calling. Team sources say this tension between the two has been on the rise for some time now and could lead to a free agency exit by Rondo in the offseason.
When the trade was finalized, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban made it clear that Rondo was not a one-season rental in Dallas. They viewed him as the long-term point guard option and would offer a contract extension in the offseason. However, with free agency still very much an option, ESPN speculates that Rondo will take the out come the summer.
Rondo has not looked the same in recent years since the knee injury, but that will not stop teams from making a run at him if available. The point guard has taken on a different role in Dallas. They do not need a point guard to be the super star since they have scoring coming from Chandler Parsons and Monta Ellis. Rondo's weaknesses are being exposed more and more as his assists drop, but he will still be a top target on the free agent market.
If truly available, the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks will do everything to get him. All three teams were looking for point guards at the trade deadline and will have space to offer big money in the offseason. Goran Dragic and Reggie Jackson have been getting all of the attention, but if Rondo hits the market, he will be the top priority like originally expected.
Rondo wants a max contract. That is what caused him to be traded from the Boston Celtics to begin with. Will teams be willing to give it to him after episodes like Tuesday night? Teams will be motivated to open their wallets for Rondo, including the Mavericks, it just remains to be seen where he ends up heading.