After numerous seasons of being involved in trade rumors, Rajon Rondo was ultimately traded to the Dallas Mavericks despite the Los Angeles Lakers expressing interest. While many thought the Mavericks were championship contenders with the addition of a former All-Star point guard, things have not gone according to plan as Rondo and head coach Rick Carlisle were recently involved in a heated exchange.
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According to ESPN Dallas’ Tim MacMahon, Rondo is ‘extremely unlikely’ to re-sign with the Mavericks in free agency as he faces a one game suspension from the franchise:
ESPN-Dallas reported Wednesday night that it’s “extremely unlikely” that Rondo stays in Dallas beyond this season.
With Rondo unlikely to re-sign with the Mavericks, rival front offices believe the Lakers are the team of his choice according to CBS Sports’ Ken Berger:
There are rumblings among rival front offices that Rondo might just be the personality type to forego a five-year deal with the Mavs for a four-year deal with the team of his choice — the Lakers
Despite being traded to Dallas, Kobe Bryant has stated that he will pursue Rondo until he is no longer a free agent. While there were expectations Rondo would ultimately re-sign with the Mavericks, he has previously said that he will keep his options open.
With the Lakers not making the playoffs for the second consecutive season, they are looking to improve the point guard position via their top-five protected draft pick, free agency or trade. While free agency does not start until July, Lakers are expected to pursue Rondo this off-season along with Goran Dragic and Reggie Jackson.
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