Rajon Rondo is preparing to enter free agency on a somewhat bad note. The point guard was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Dallas Mavericks with the expectations that he would be their final piece to the championship puzzle. That failed to come about as Rondo's stint was marred with inconsistencies and coaching issues. The question is whether or not that is hurting interest surrounding his future.
Last year, Rondo was a max contract player. Then he struggled with the Dallas Mavericks and his stocked dropped. However, that has not taken interest away from him as many teams still remain interested in Rondo and his skill set as a starting point guard.
According to Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post, the Miami Heat have emerged as an option for Rondo if they were to lose Goran Dragic. Right now, the Heat have contract issues on their hands as they are currently at risk of losing Dwyane Wade for that reason. If the Heat meet Wade's contract demands, they might miss out on being able to re-sign Dragic. That would open the door for Rondo.
Team president Pat Riley has stressed that he intends to keep Dragic around, but nothing is guaranteed i free agency. If Rondo comes in he would provide some incentive for Wade to stick around at a smaller price. The two players plus Chris Bosh and Luol Deng would make a nice lineup.
The Heat are not the only team being begged as a landing spot for Rondo. The Los Angeles Lakers are still taking a very serious look at acquiring him. With the No. 2 draft pick, ESPN's Chad Ford predicts the team grabs Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor, leaving a need for a point guard. Jordan Clarkson has greatly improved, but not enough to be trusted with that much responsibility. Getting someone like Rondo in the mix would give Los Angeles a one-two punch at the spot.
The New York Knicks could also be in the mix. Drafting at No. 4 they are predicted to take a defender like Justise Winslow, but they could select Emmanuel Mudiay or D'Angelo Russell instead. Their draft choice will impact whether or not Rondo is still an option as they aim to get rid of Jose Calderon and bring in someone more elite. Rondo will have plenty of options regardless of how this year ended for him.
