Rajon Rondo is one of the notable players left on the free agent market and teams like the LA Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, NY Knicks, Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans could be interested in signing the point guard, as he could be looking for a short term deal in free agency and could be a better option over a Ty Lawson trade.
Rondo's time in Dallas was not productive for the team or for Rondo's value as a free agent and he may want to sign a short term deal to build it back up. According to Yahoo Sports, the Kings are interested in Rondo, but they do not want to pay too high of a price for him. Rondo reportedly could be a target for the Rockets if they lose Patrick Beverley, while the Lakers and Knicks also could be in the mix. Rondo may get some extra focus from New York and Los Angeles after the teams missed out on top players like Greg Monroe and Goran Dragic.
A return the Mavs is looking very unlikely after Rondo's performance in the playoffs and now teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, NY Knicks, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings could be the top landing spots for the point guard. Rondo is going to be a main target for teams this offseason and while the Mavericks can give him the most money, they are going to let him walk. The Pelicans could be a free agent dark horse along with the Kings depending on the offers Rondo gets on the market.
According to Brian Windhorst at ESPN, teams are not likely to give Rondo a max deal and the Mavericks are not going to overpay for his services after trading for him this season. Windhorst said on ESPN Radio that while Rondo is a very talented player, his offensive style is not what has been successful in the NBA over the last few years, which has limited his impact on games. The Mavericks are not in the mix, but the Lakers and Knicks might be the best fits now.
Windhorst also added that the ACL injury Rondo suffered has taken him down a bit as a defender, which was previously one of his best areas. Pro Basketball Talk writes that the Knicks, Lakers, Rockets and Kings are potential landing spots for Rondo, but Windhorst said that the Lakers are likely Rondo's top choice. Rondo has spoken with Kobe Bryant about playing for the Lakers and according to Windhorst, Rondo has "always wanted to play" for the franchise and could sign there. But Windhorst added that the team may not want to sign Rondo over chasing Goran Dragic, who also will be on the market.
The Knicks and Rockets are in the same boat and Rondo could end up with one of the teams that do not sign Beverley or Jeremy Lin. The Miami Heat signed Dragic, as they were able to offer him the most money on a contract with a max deal over the Lakers and Knicks. The Knicks desperately need a point guard and they likely will go after both Rondo and Beverley now that other players have signed.
