Every team in the league is preparing their sales pitch for Rajon Rondo. The point guard was traded mid-season to the Dallas Mavericks, but coaching issues has many believes the running back is eyeing an exit after one season. If that is the case. several teams will be ready to offer Rondo a max contract including the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets are missing an elite point guard. The team has top shooters in James Harden and Chandler Parsons along with Josh Smith while Dwight Howard takes care of the defense, but the point guard spot has been a question mark which only increased after the trade of Jeremy Lin. According to CBSSports.com, Rondo would be interested in a deal with the Rockets after being open to a trade to Houston while still with the Boston Celtics.
NBA Insider Ken Berger reported that Rondo was interested in a mid-season trade to Houston, but Dallas won out in the end. The Rockets were listed as one of the few teams Rondo would re-sign with if traded. After the fallout with the Mavericks, the Rockets could easily make a move. A max contract would be difficult which means the point guard would have to be open to pay cut potentially.
Rondo has incentives to join the Rockets. They have the elite players to surround the point guard, not to mention his dear friend Smith is already on the roster. Rondo confirmed to the media via ESPN.com that players and friends in the league have been recruiting him for free agency. Rondo referenced Kobe Bryant when talking about recruiting while Carmelo Anthony has been aiming to get the point guard to the New York Knicks.
The Rockets are dealing with Patrick Beverley potentially suffering a season-ending injury with torn ligaments in his wrist. With no depth behind him, the Rockets need for point guard help is clear. The team will aim to address that in the offseason which means Rondo is the first priority. If he is not available, players like Goran Dragic, Reggie Jackson or Brandon Knight would be solid additions and potentially cheaper than a max deal for Rondo.