Report: Rajon Rondo "intrigued" by Free Agency in 2015

[rondohondo]

"Rondo and the Celtics discussed a possible extension of his current deal recently, but those talks were largely perfunctory. Negotiations will heat up this summer when the Celtics will look to tack three years onto the final year of Rondo's current contract, offering him a quality raise and locking him in at a moderate salary that would allow the team to add quality pieces around him.

If Rondo reaches free agency after the 2014-15 season, he'll be able to command a much larger salary and drive up his price tag on the open market.

While the Celtics have remained steadfast that they have no current plans to trade Rondo, they might have to ponder that scenario a bit more if they are unable to work out an extension this summer, or risk leaving themselves a bit exposed if he reaches free agency after next season."

http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/10383583/rajon-rondo-boston-celtics-admits-being-intrigued-free-agency


If Cs don't get him signed this summer, he's gone IMO.  I don't see DA signing him to a max contract in free agency.

Agree

I also think if we get a top 3 pick, rondo could also be traded on draft night because that top pick won't reach his prime until rondo's exiting his.
Something like rondo to charlotte for their det pick(#10 right now) and MKG

[JR47]

Of course he is intrigued by it.

No one, not even DA, truly knows what the mold of the celtics roster looks like by then. He wants to be on a championship contender in his prime.

[LarBrd33]

"Rondo and the Celtics discussed a possible extension of his current deal recently, but those talks were largely perfunctory. Negotiations will heat up this summer when the Celtics will look to tack three years onto the final year of Rondo's current contract, offering him a quality raise and locking him in at a moderate salary that would allow the team to add quality pieces around him.

If Rondo reaches free agency after the 2014-15 season, he'll be able to command a much larger salary and drive up his price tag on the open market.

While the Celtics have remained steadfast that they have no current plans to trade Rondo, they might have to ponder that scenario a bit more if they are unable to work out an extension this summer, or risk leaving themselves a bit exposed if he reaches free agency after next season."

http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/10383583/rajon-rondo-boston-celtics-admits-being-intrigued-free-agency


If Cs don't get him signed this summer, he's gone IMO.  I don't see DA signing him to a max contract in free agency.

Agree

I also think if we get a top 3 pick, rondo could also be traded on draft night because that top pick won't reach his prime until rondo's exiting his.
Something like rondo to charlotte for their det pick(#10 right now) and MKG

The longer we wait the less valuable he becomes. His trade value is already at an all time low thanks to his awful post-injury play.  Without an extension locked in, who wants to rent a post prime rondo for one season?

[CoachBo]

"Rondo and the Celtics discussed a possible extension of his current deal recently, but those talks were largely perfunctory. Negotiations will heat up this summer when the Celtics will look to tack three years onto the final year of Rondo's current contract, offering him a quality raise and locking him in at a moderate salary that would allow the team to add quality pieces around him.

If Rondo reaches free agency after the 2014-15 season, he'll be able to command a much larger salary and drive up his price tag on the open market.

While the Celtics have remained steadfast that they have no current plans to trade Rondo, they might have to ponder that scenario a bit more if they are unable to work out an extension this summer, or risk leaving themselves a bit exposed if he reaches free agency after next season."

http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/10383583/rajon-rondo-boston-celtics-admits-being-intrigued-free-agency


If Cs don't get him signed this summer, he's gone IMO.  I don't see DA signing him to a max contract in free agency.

Agree

I also think if we get a top 3 pick, rondo could also be traded on draft night because that top pick won't reach his prime until rondo's exiting his.
Something like rondo to charlotte for their det pick(#10 right now) and MKG

The longer we wait the less valuable he becomes. His trade value is already at an all time low thanks to his awful post-injury play.  Without an extension locked in, who wants to rent a post prime rondo for one season?

If Ainge pays pre-injury Rondo max money, he's lost his mind.

And he's not going to get max money in free agency without his terrible post-injury performance turning around. It will - but anyone who says they know the extent to which it will is lying.

[BballTim]

"Rondo and the Celtics discussed a possible extension of his current deal recently, but those talks were largely perfunctory. Negotiations will heat up this summer when the Celtics will look to tack three years onto the final year of Rondo's current contract, offering him a quality raise and locking him in at a moderate salary that would allow the team to add quality pieces around him.

If Rondo reaches free agency after the 2014-15 season, he'll be able to command a much larger salary and drive up his price tag on the open market.

While the Celtics have remained steadfast that they have no current plans to trade Rondo, they might have to ponder that scenario a bit more if they are unable to work out an extension this summer, or risk leaving themselves a bit exposed if he reaches free agency after next season."

http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/10383583/rajon-rondo-boston-celtics-admits-being-intrigued-free-agency


If Cs don't get him signed this summer, he's gone IMO.  I don't see DA signing him to a max contract in free agency.

Agree

I also think if we get a top 3 pick, rondo could also be traded on draft night because that top pick won't reach his prime until rondo's exiting his.
Something like rondo to charlotte for their det pick(#10 right now) and MKG

The longer we wait the less valuable he becomes. His trade value is already at an all time low thanks to his awful post-injury play.  Without an extension locked in, who wants to rent a post prime rondo for one season?

  We should just keep him then.

[LooseCannon]

I guess I'll ask a follow up question, how comfortable are you guys with Rondo going into next year without an extension and hitting unrestricted free agency in 2015?

I prefer that to signing an extension because it offers the Celtics more flexibility.  I would only be nervous if I was worried Rondo would turn down a maximum contract to go elsewhere at that point.

[BballTim]

"Rondo and the Celtics discussed a possible extension of his current deal recently, but those talks were largely perfunctory. Negotiations will heat up this summer when the Celtics will look to tack three years onto the final year of Rondo's current contract, offering him a quality raise and locking him in at a moderate salary that would allow the team to add quality pieces around him.

If Rondo reaches free agency after the 2014-15 season, he'll be able to command a much larger salary and drive up his price tag on the open market.

While the Celtics have remained steadfast that they have no current plans to trade Rondo, they might have to ponder that scenario a bit more if they are unable to work out an extension this summer, or risk leaving themselves a bit exposed if he reaches free agency after next season."

http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/10383583/rajon-rondo-boston-celtics-admits-being-intrigued-free-agency


If Cs don't get him signed this summer, he's gone IMO.  I don't see DA signing him to a max contract in free agency.

Agree

I also think if we get a top 3 pick, rondo could also be traded on draft night because that top pick won't reach his prime until rondo's exiting his.
Something like rondo to charlotte for their det pick(#10 right now) and MKG

The longer we wait the less valuable he becomes. His trade value is already at an all time low thanks to his awful post-injury play.  Without an extension locked in, who wants to rent a post prime rondo for one season?

If Ainge pays pre-injury Rondo max money, he's lost his mind.

And he's not going to get max money in free agency without his terrible post-injury performance turning around. It will - but anyone who says they know the extent to which it will is lying.

  That would include people who claim he won't make a full recovery. As for the pre-injury Rondo getting max money, I'd guess that when Danny signed Rondo to his current contract you'd have said he was out of his mind then. But Rondo was on 4 straight all-star teams and an all-nba team. How many players in their 20s (that aren't on rookie contracts) come close to matching level of play and aren't on max contracts? How many players on that level who are on rookie contracts shouldn't get max contracts when the time comes? Can you name a single one?

[Clench123]

I think this is Ainge offering Rondo not-so "intriguing contract," and Rondo saying he would rather wait to see if he can get better

[BleedGreen1989]

I guess I'll ask a follow up question, how comfortable are you guys with Rondo going into next year without an extension and hitting unrestricted free agency in 2015?

I prefer that to signing an extension because it offers the Celtics more flexibility.  I would only be nervous if I was worried Rondo would turn down a maximum contract to go elsewhere at that point.

The situation makes me nervous when there would be two big market teams who I don't think would hesitate to through the max at Rondo (NYK and LAL).

[manl_lui]

I guess I'll ask a follow up question, how comfortable are you guys with Rondo going into next year without an extension and hitting unrestricted free agency in 2015?

I prefer that to signing an extension because it offers the Celtics more flexibility.  I would only be nervous if I was worried Rondo would turn down a maximum contract to go elsewhere at that point.

The situation makes me nervous when there would be two big market teams who I don't think would hesitate to through the max at Rondo (NYK and LAL).

in my perfect fantasy world - Rondo comes back 100% and keeps improving. Signs an extension even though he knows he can get more in FA from the Celtics or from other teams. He sign the extension for less money because he is loyal. Celtics use that extra financial flexibility and use Bass/Green and filler to acquire another star. We draft Embiid/Wiggins/Parker and by 2016, NBA champions

Danny Ainge wins his 2nd executive of the year. Brad wins coach of the year

Lebron retires because he can't bear the thought of losing to the Celtics again.

[winsomme]

"Rondo and the Celtics discussed a possible extension of his current deal recently, but those talks were largely perfunctory. Negotiations will heat up this summer when the Celtics will look to tack three years onto the final year of Rondo's current contract, offering him a quality raise and locking him in at a moderate salary that would allow the team to add quality pieces around him.

If Rondo reaches free agency after the 2014-15 season, he'll be able to command a much larger salary and drive up his price tag on the open market.

While the Celtics have remained steadfast that they have no current plans to trade Rondo, they might have to ponder that scenario a bit more if they are unable to work out an extension this summer, or risk leaving themselves a bit exposed if he reaches free agency after next season."

http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/10383583/rajon-rondo-boston-celtics-admits-being-intrigued-free-agency


If Cs don't get him signed this summer, he's gone IMO.  I don't see DA signing him to a max contract in free agency.

Agree

I also think if we get a top 3 pick, rondo could also be traded on draft night because that top pick won't reach his prime until rondo's exiting his.
Something like rondo to charlotte for their det pick(#10 right now) and MKG

The longer we wait the less valuable he becomes. His trade value is already at an all time low thanks to his awful post-injury play.  Without an extension locked in, who wants to rent a post prime rondo for one season?

If Ainge pays pre-injury Rondo max money, he's lost his mind.

And he's not going to get max money in free agency without his terrible post-injury performance turning around. It will - but anyone who says they know the extent to which it will is lying.

  That would include people who claim he won't make a full recovery. As for the pre-injury Rondo getting max money, I'd guess that when Danny signed Rondo to his current contract you'd have said he was out of his mind then. But Rondo was on 4 straight all-star teams and an all-nba team. How many players in their 20s (that aren't on rookie contracts) come close to matching level of play and aren't on max contracts? How many players on that level who are on rookie contracts shouldn't get max contracts when the time comes? Can you name a single one?

 

Not sure what the significance of this is but I don't think Steph Curry deserves a max contract yet and he's playing at a very high level

[D.o.s.]

"Rondo and the Celtics discussed a possible extension of his current deal recently, but those talks were largely perfunctory. Negotiations will heat up this summer when the Celtics will look to tack three years onto the final year of Rondo's current contract, offering him a quality raise and locking him in at a moderate salary that would allow the team to add quality pieces around him.

If Rondo reaches free agency after the 2014-15 season, he'll be able to command a much larger salary and drive up his price tag on the open market.

While the Celtics have remained steadfast that they have no current plans to trade Rondo, they might have to ponder that scenario a bit more if they are unable to work out an extension this summer, or risk leaving themselves a bit exposed if he reaches free agency after next season."

http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/10383583/rajon-rondo-boston-celtics-admits-being-intrigued-free-agency


If Cs don't get him signed this summer, he's gone IMO.  I don't see DA signing him to a max contract in free agency.

Agree

I also think if we get a top 3 pick, rondo could also be traded on draft night because that top pick won't reach his prime until rondo's exiting his.
Something like rondo to charlotte for their det pick(#10 right now) and MKG

The longer we wait the less valuable he becomes. His trade value is already at an all time low thanks to his awful post-injury play.  Without an extension locked in, who wants to rent a post prime rondo for one season?

If Ainge pays pre-injury Rondo max money, he's lost his mind.

And he's not going to get max money in free agency without his terrible post-injury performance turning around. It will - but anyone who says they know the extent to which it will is lying.

  That would include people who claim he won't make a full recovery. As for the pre-injury Rondo getting max money, I'd guess that when Danny signed Rondo to his current contract you'd have said he was out of his mind then. But Rondo was on 4 straight all-star teams and an all-nba team. How many players in their 20s (that aren't on rookie contracts) come close to matching level of play and aren't on max contracts? How many players on that level who are on rookie contracts shouldn't get max contracts when the time comes? Can you name a single one?

To clarify the bolded, because it's a misleading pair of sentences--Rondo signed his contract extension in 2009, and then made four straight all star teams (2010-13). If you look at Rondo's career before his contract extension there's a paucity of accolades or awards.

Also, to answer your questions--Steph Curry and Ty Lawson for the first question.

For the second one--players who are demonstrably as good as Rondo was when he signed the extension that aren't worth max money: Kyrie Irving comes to mind first. Damian Lillard, probably.

[gpap]

Package Rondo along with a future 1st and Humph's expiring to Cleveland for Kyrie and filler (Gee, Clark, whoevever.)

Deal Green or Wallace at the deadline as well.

Frees up a ton of cap space.

And this summer, go crazy!

With a lottery pick, tons of cap space and a franchise player like Kyrie Irving, we will be sitting pretty.

Imagine if we end up with a top pick player like Randle, Wiggins, Embiid, whoever. Then we offer a max deal to a guy like Bosh or Melo.

In 2014-15, we'll have a roster of Kyrie, Bosh or Melo, Sullinger, Jeff Green or Gerald Wallace (whoever doesn't get traded as a 6th man), Avery Bradley and whoever the 1st round pick would be (Wiggins, Parker, Randle or Embiid). Faverani, Olynyk, Bass, Joel Anthony, and Pressey coming off the bench.

Maybe try to resign Jerryd Bayless with the MLE?

Then in the summer of 2015, they should hopefully have enough money to extend Kyrie.

[Vermont Green]

  We should just keep him then.

I think there is a much better chance that Rondo accepts an extension once next year's contract kicks in and he can be offered one more year and a better escalation schedule.

If we wait until he becomes an UFA, I think the risk that we lose him and get nothing is very high.  Trading him for something is better than losing him for nothing.

That would be why it is not as simple as just keep him.

If he takes until into next season to play well, they won't be able to trade him this season and by next season, he is just a "rental".  That would probably mean we roll the dice that we can extend or resign him.  I think the more pragmatic play is to hope he plays really well and trade him for the best possible value.  I would not be disappointed with a reasonable extension either.  I don't think we win though if he gets to UFA.  Then we either overpay or lose him for nothing.

[Eddie20]

"Rondo and the Celtics discussed a possible extension of his current deal recently, but those talks were largely perfunctory. Negotiations will heat up this summer when the Celtics will look to tack three years onto the final year of Rondo's current contract, offering him a quality raise and locking him in at a moderate salary that would allow the team to add quality pieces around him.

If Rondo reaches free agency after the 2014-15 season, he'll be able to command a much larger salary and drive up his price tag on the open market.

While the Celtics have remained steadfast that they have no current plans to trade Rondo, they might have to ponder that scenario a bit more if they are unable to work out an extension this summer, or risk leaving themselves a bit exposed if he reaches free agency after next season."

http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/10383583/rajon-rondo-boston-celtics-admits-being-intrigued-free-agency


If Cs don't get him signed this summer, he's gone IMO.  I don't see DA signing him to a max contract in free agency.

Agree

I also think if we get a top 3 pick, rondo could also be traded on draft night because that top pick won't reach his prime until rondo's exiting his.
Something like rondo to charlotte for their det pick(#10 right now) and MKG

The longer we wait the less valuable he becomes. His trade value is already at an all time low thanks to his awful post-injury play.  Without an extension locked in, who wants to rent a post prime rondo for one season?

If Ainge pays pre-injury Rondo max money, he's lost his mind.

And he's not going to get max money in free agency without his terrible post-injury performance turning around. It will - but anyone who says they know the extent to which it will is lying.

  That would include people who claim he won't make a full recovery. As for the pre-injury Rondo getting max money, I'd guess that when Danny signed Rondo to his current contract you'd have said he was out of his mind then. But Rondo was on 4 straight all-star teams and an all-nba team. How many players in their 20s (that aren't on rookie contracts) come close to matching level of play and aren't on max contracts? How many players on that level who are on rookie contracts shouldn't get max contracts when the time comes? Can you name a single one?

So Ainge should pony up and pay Rondo max, or near max, money based on past performances? Rondo simply isn't worth that amount.