Ex-Boston Celtic champion floor general Rajon Rondo will reportedly opt out of the final year of his current deal and test the free market, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Writing in a recent article about the NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason plans, Charania notes that:
“Rondo cemented his role as a leader for the Lakers in the bubble, serving as something of a player/coach and providing guidance across the roster. Sources said Rondo is expected to decline his option, and he will have interest from the Lakers and others believing he is a piece to build on a championship roster.”
We already know what you’re thinking, and don’t hold your breath — at least not too long.
Sources: Anthony Davis plans to opt out of contract and re-sign with the Lakers.
Inside Pass on Davis, Lakers/Heat offseasons and more across league at @TheAthleticNBA: https://t.co/P5YRf3Fbzb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 15, 2020
Much like another popular narrative built around a beloved Boston point guard returning home as the prodigal son in Isaiah Thomas, there’s a legitimate case to be made to offering a spot to the former Celtic champ.
But would he want it?
He’s on a championship-caliber team now, with designs of retooling for a more balanced roster than the one that won it all, albeit in a “bubble” environment the likes of which we may never see again.
His sometimes-abrasive demeanor is a question mark on Boston’s end as well; would he fit into the chemistry-driven version of the Celtics that’s almost certain to be back intact next season?
After major hip operation, former Celtic Isaiah Thomas plots NBA return https://t.co/JVoRXBBLVZ
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 5, 2020
Could it even be an advantage with so many rookies and young players on the team perhaps in need a variety of motivation styles, to put it delicately?
And finally — could Boston afford him? While he’s only making $2.7 million per year with the Lakers, would the projected $5.7 million taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (MLE) be enough?
And if it were, would the Celtics feel this is the deal that will put them over the top?
There’s a fair amount of questions here, enough for us to lump it in with IT’s potential return to Boston — it would make for a hell of a narrative.
But don’t break out their jerseys from storage any time soon.
