I think everyone is really missing the point I was trying to make by starting this thread, that point being:
It was a mistake for the Knicks to extend Carmelo's stay, and it would likewise be a mistake for us to hang onto Rondo. Even if that means trading him for pennies on the dollar. Here's why:
1) Rondo is not worth a max contract the way he has been playing. It's questionable (doubtful) if he ever will return to a level where he's worth a max contract.
2) If Rondo can't get a max contract with us, he'll likely get one elsewhere (and it will be a terrible signing for whatever team gives him one).
3) This means that we either commit to overpaying him, or we let him walk for nothing. Both of which scenarios are worse than simply trading him for something, ANYTHING, in return.