When the Dallas Mavericks traded for Rajon Rondo during the middle of the season, they expected the point guard to be the x-factor to a championship run for the team. That has yet to go as planned and now Rondo is out for at least the playoff series against the Houston Rockets while no one expects him back in free agency. Following drama with head coach Rick Carlisle, what will the Mavericks do at the point guard position to replace Rondo for the future?
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Rondo has no intentions to remain with the Dallas Mavericks in free agency if Carlisle is still the coach. Carlisle told the media on Tuesday that he did not expect Rondo to be back with the team next season. Unless the Mavericks opt to fire Carlisle in favor of retaining Rondo, the point guard is on his way out as the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks prepare max contracts for the star. Carlisle stresses he is only concerned about the players on the court right now.
"I understand that the announcement that's been made is going to have different interpretations," Carlisle said, via ESPN.com. "I am giving you our interpretation of it, and this is fact. From here, we're moving forward. We've got a series to win and we've got to win Game 3 with the guys that are available."
The Mavericks were hoping the Rondo trade would be a little less of a bust, but more than likely the team will be searching for a new elite point guard in the offseason. With Dirk Nowitzki entering the final two years of his contract, the time to win is now for Dallas and Mark Cuban is aware of that. As a result, the team will be aggressive in getting someone elite in order to put the team back into playoff contention.
According to the Dallas Morning News, the Mavericks will explore deals for players like Goran Dragic, Reggie Jackson and potentially Norris Cole. They are the obvious options for any team that does not land Rondo. However, there could also be trade options for the Mavericks to look at. Brandon Jennings could be available if the Detroit Pistons re-sign Jackson. Brandon Knight could also be available with the Phoenix Suns. The Mavericks have options to compliment players like JJ Barea and Devin Harris who will fill in for Rondo as he sits with the back injury.
