Dallas is taking some risks bringing in Rajon Rondo in a blockbuster trade with Boston. For one, they already have the best offense in the NBA this season, one predicated on good shooters and good ball movement, and now they are going to take the ball out of Monta Ellis’ capable hands and put it in Rondo’s. They are betting Rondo can still defend like old Rondo if he wants to. From where I sit those are smart, solid bets to make.
But the biggest risk is Rondo is a free agent next summer. He could walk.
Word had already leaked that Dallas was one of a couple teams where he’d seriously consider re-signing after the season if they traded for him. Owner Mark Cuban is too smart to pull the trigger on this kind of deal unless he has word he can keep his man. With that, this report from Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com shouldn’t be a surprise. But it is worth noting.
Source: Mavs "as confident as we can be" about re-signing Rajon Rondo this summer. Getting PG now makes keeping Tyson Chandler easier, too.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 19, 2014
If things go south this season Rondo can still walk, and likely would.
Dallas will have some work to do to keep the band together next summer. Rondo is a free agent, Tyson Chandler is a free agent and Monta Ellis can and likely will opt out. Dallas has the advantage of having Bird rights and the ability to really spend on those guys, but there will be vultures looking to poach.