Jackie M - Rondo wants out?

[Berkcelt]

Maybe I will have to actually watch this video of Jackie Mac, because there seems to be some confusion/disagreement over what she actually said. The tone of this conversation however does remind of when she reported whispers (fairly obviously) emanating from the Minnesota side early in the summer, and the messenger was shot for things that people didn't like hearing but in hindsight seem pretty accurate. There seems to be a lot of emotions coloring people's responses.

Regarding the dilemma to trade or not to trade Rondo, I still don't see that we have a lot to lose by letting him get to free agency. We're losing the equivalent of McLemore and a first? Couldn't we get one or the other in a sign and trade theoretically? Given all the young guys and picks we have, it seems like we're looking at diminishing returns on those kinds of assets anyway. We can only develop so many guys at once, is what I'm saying.

Not sure if I've posted it here before, but I thought the draft was probably the best time to trade Rondo. That Lakers 7th pick was probably the best we were going to do. I think Danny thought he still had a shot at Love, which he probably did, and so didn't go the trade Rondo route, but nobody was expecting Lebron to return to Cleveland and change the whole trade landscape for Love. I don't see any good options for us right now.

[Captain_Caveman]

Continued thoughts...

Lakers will never offer Randle, never mind including Houston's pick and Lin with him. Ainge would be personally packing his furniture right now if that were the case. Just not even close to what his trade value is IMO, and especially not from LA, who can throw a monkey wrench in all of this just by signaling to his camp that he is on the short list for a max contract next summer.

Speaking of which, what are they supposed to do next year? Only have a 50/50 chance of keeping their own lottery pick, and are a tad asset-deficient, to put it mildly. They have cap room. Here's who is potentially available:

Unrestricted
LeBron
Love
Aldridge
Marc Gasol
Rondo
Millsap
Monta Ellis
Brook Lopez
DeAndre Jordan
Luol Deng
Dragic
Wade
Gay
Varejao
Asik
Roy Hibbert
Bargnani
Robin Lopez
Chandler
Ginobili
Patrick Beverley
David West
Reggie Jackson

Restricted
Klay Thompson
Kawhi Leonard
Rubio
Kemba Walker
Faried
Vucevic
Alec Burks
Both Morris Twins
Shumpert
Jimmy Butler
Biyombo
Tristan Thompson

Maybe add Monroe and/or Bledsoe if they take the QO.

For starters, that list sucks when you take off the names that are not likely to be in play (LeBron, Love, Aldridge, Thompson, Leonard, Rubio, Vucevic, Deng). The worthwhile names that *might* be in play if someone throws a ton of cash at them are, IMO:

Marc Gasol
Rondo
Dragic
Monta Ellis
Rubio
Faried
DeAndre
Beverly
Bargnani
Hibbert

That's a terrible FA class, with a terrible crop of RFAs from a terrible draft in 2011. But it doesn't stop the cap room money from being there, and teams needing to use it to improve themselves. Certainly possible that other guys blow up, or potential 2016 FAs go on the trade market like Love did this year. But as it stands, Rondo is certainly near the top of the available list, and potentially *at* the top of it if guys like Gasol stay with their current teams.

Rondo has to demonstrate health, but he is, in fact, a known commodity otherwise. Guy has been in the league for eight years. People know his strengths and his weaknesses, and he's not going to suddenly change his spots. A 4-time All-Star and playoff gamer who can create and play good team defense, but who doesn't shoot very well and can be a little recalcitrant. For teams with little means to improve themselves, he's worth overpaying by a little to land him for nothing in return.

This is what we are likely up against in terms of his likely market value in 2015.

[BfB]

These are the facts:

1. Rondo wants to test the FA market
2. Rondo wants to go to a contending team
3. Boston had intended to trade the 6th pick
4. Smart was BPA
5. Smart has to prove himself before roles are established
6. Rondo needs to establish his market value through his play
7. Ainge would like to speed up the rebuild as "Plan A"
8. Ainge sees that 2016 is likely the next "superstar" FA summer
9. Ainge needs to develop his assets to re-gauge the market
10. The team needs 3 All Star caliber player to contend

This is all simple logic. We all know Rondo is somewhat of a dink - a trait not uncommon among star players, yet tedious. The problem is that Boston DOESN'T WANT TO commit big money to Rondo unless they have another piece or two in place beforehand. Greg Monroe aint that guy - neither is anyone who projects into the 2015 FA class.

I know for a fact that they've entertained trade scenarios to see where his value is at. I also know for a fact that they value his salary cap figure MORE than him as a player if they don't have another cornerstone player in place. This season will determine a lot going i to 2015 - their own player's development as well as shifts in the market.

Of course Rondo doesn't want to re-up with a long term rebuild. This "he wants out" comment is a reflection of the power of the English language. Things could change with a Kevin Love level acquisition, but Boston is completely fine having the cap space for 2016 if they can't get a franchise cornerstone. They only keep Rondo if they have that guy i. pocket already.

Rondo is likely gone, but don't expect him to be traded. He is a flight risk at the end of the year and does not have a great reputation around the league. This is likely to carry on to next summer, barring a team like HOU pushing for a title.

For the record, I'd trade him to OKC for Jackson and McGary.

[BfB]

Continued thoughts...

Lakers will never offer Randle, never mind including Houston's pick and Lin with him. Ainge would be personally packing his furniture right now if that were the case. Just not even close to what his trade value is IMO, and especially not from LA, who can throw a monkey wrench in all of this just by signaling to his camp that he is on the short list for a max contract next summer.

Speaking of which, what are they supposed to do next year? Only have a 50/50 chance of keeping their own lottery pick, and are a tad asset-deficient, to put it mildly. They have cap room. Here's who is potentially available:

Unrestricted
LeBron
Love
Aldridge
Marc Gasol
Rondo
Millsap
Monta Ellis
Brook Lopez
DeAndre Jordan
Luol Deng
Dragic
Wade
Gay
Varejao
Asik
Roy Hibbert
Bargnani
Robin Lopez
Chandler
Ginobili
Patrick Beverley
David West
Reggie Jackson

Restricted
Klay Thompson
Kawhi Leonard
Rubio
Kemba Walker
Faried
Vucevic
Alec Burks
Both Morris Twins
Shumpert
Jimmy Butler
Biyombo
Tristan Thompson

Maybe add Monroe and/or Bledsoe if they take the QO.

For starters, that list sucks when you take off the names that are not likely to be in play (LeBron, Love, Aldridge, Thompson, Leonard, Rubio, Vucevic, Deng). The worthwhile names that *might* be in play if someone throws a ton of cash at them are, IMO:

Marc Gasol
Rondo
Dragic
Monta Ellis
Rubio
Faried
DeAndre
Beverly
Bargnani
Hibbert

That's a terrible FA class, with a terrible crop of RFAs from a terrible draft in 2011. But it doesn't stop the cap room money from being there, and teams needing to use it to improve themselves. Certainly possible that other guys blow up, or potential 2016 FAs go on the trade market like Love did this year. But as it stands, Rondo is certainly near the top of the available list, and potentially *at* the top of it if guys like Gasol stay with their current teams.

Rondo has to demonstrate health, but he is, in fact, a known commodity otherwise. Guy has been in the league for eight years. People know his strengths and his weaknesses, and he's not going to suddenly change his spots. A 4-time All-Star and playoff gamer who can create and play good team defense, but who doesn't shoot very well and can be a little recalcitrant. For teams with little means to improve themselves, he's worth overpaying by a little to land him for nothing in return.

This is what we are likely up against in terms of his likely market value in 2015.

Vucevic is a guy I may throw a "top 3 player" type contract at, not sure if ORL matches. He hasn't shown great defensive ability yet, but I attribute some of that to the losing environment and general lack of cohesion.

Your point is well taken though. The 2015 options are terrible in terms of players you'd want to commit big money to without having a few core guys already in place. For all of Jordan's defensive ability, he is hard to pay 15+ to when your team's offense is nonexistent.

My guess is that Boston will look to add a couple of players, factoring in the massive cap jump in 2016 as well as more expiring money. I don't see them retaining Rondo with the available options though. I believe they are more focused on their current assets development to build an under 25 core that can make the playoffs in 2015, continue to develop, and attract Durant or another franchise guy in 2016

[Tenbomber]

15 pages? We definitely got trolled by Mrs. Mac

Hardly....

More than likely this was an agent's doing... let an off color comment slip then deny deny deny that it was ever said or it was somehow taken out of context....

Probably, one of the oldest tricks in the book?.....and an easy way to get attention....

[sully00]

Not sure about Sherrod's logic regarding Rondo not having any leverage to demand a trade since we have drafted Smart...

This could be worse than the Love situation in Minny since Love (wink wink) agreed to an extension with CLE. It seems as though Rondo is stubbornly refusing to do so for anyone and is insisting on playing the FA game this summer. Hes still has all the leverage...we just don't HAVE to re-sign him, but we would be losing him for nothing. Rondo may find out the hard way that he's not a max player, but he'll get a healthy sized contract and it very possibly wont be with us..

The logic is pretty straight forward. If Rondo was to demand a trade then they could tell him to go pound sand and give his mins to Smart and tell him to go home and he can try and get a new contract after sitting out a season. That would be on him and everyone would accept. That is the leverage they mean it isn't necessarily a positive outcome but that doesn't mean it isn't leverage.

I think it is time to accept that we are probably going to lose Rondo for nothing or next to nothing. That is why it is important to have it so you can get under the cap if he leaves.

[sully00]

Maybe I will have to actually watch this video of Jackie Mac, because there seems to be some confusion/disagreement over what she actually said. The tone of this conversation however does remind of when she reported whispers (fairly obviously) emanating from the Minnesota side early in the summer, and the messenger was shot for things that people didn't like hearing but in hindsight seem pretty accurate. There seems to be a lot of emotions coloring people's responses.

Regarding the dilemma to trade or not to trade Rondo, I still don't see that we have a lot to lose by letting him get to free agency. We're losing the equivalent of McLemore and a first? Couldn't we get one or the other in a sign and trade theoretically? Given all the young guys and picks we have, it seems like we're looking at diminishing returns on those kinds of assets anyway. We can only develop so many guys at once, is what I'm saying.

Not sure if I've posted it here before, but I thought the draft was probably the best time to trade Rondo. That Lakers 7th pick was probably the best we were going to do. I think Danny thought he still had a shot at Love, which he probably did, and so didn't go the trade Rondo route, but nobody was expecting Lebron to return to Cleveland and change the whole trade landscape for Love. I don't see any good options for us right now.

Here you go
http://deadspin.com/jackie-macmullan-st ... 1629077591

[sully00]

I know he has refused a contract extension, and while it was problematic at the time it could be revisited now and would be about what he is going to get in FA.

I think Rondo and the organization are likely being honest with each other. Why would you draft Marcus Smart at 6 and sign Bradley to an 8 mil a year contract if one of those guys is coming off the bench for the next 5 or 6 years because your going to max out Rondo?

I probably would refuse a contract extension @ $15 mil too if I saw a guy like Gortat pull down 5/$60 at age 30. Obviously the C's looking like a lottery team for the foreseeable future plays in that decision too, but I wouldn't read too much into the refusal to extend.

And I agree that it doesn't make a lot of sense to draft a back-up at #6 (or pay a back-up $8 mil per). Though that also makes the earlier Rondo for Bledsoe suggestion a non sequitur.

Smart at #6 makes the most sense as Rondo's replacement in a full rebuild or trade bait in a plus Rondo reload. From Ainge's past eagerness to trade for veteran stars and evident aversion to long-term rebuilds, I think the latter is still Plan A, with the former as a solid back-up plan.

I get that but Rondo isn't 7' tall and 5 for 60 is 12 mil a season. Tony Parker just signed for 3 years and 43 mil. The most another team can give Rondo is like 4 and 70 and I am not saying that isn't a lot more than 3 and 45 but I don't think anyone is giving him the 4 and 70.

Agree on Bledsoe just doesn't make sense.

Like I have said all along I don't think this is a bad blood situation. If all of a sudden Ainge can acquire a veteran all star to pair with Rondo then that changes the facts on the ground. But the problem is right now the most likely all star caliber player to be made available in a trade is Rajon Rondo.

[Andrew McCeltic]

Great post, Bill- but it sounds like Rondo's gone unless we can pull off a miracle rebuild by the trade deadline- I just don't think our assets have that value yet, and we need another year or two until we have the depth to get two guys... So why not trade him now?


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums mobile app

[Slartibartfast]

I know he has refused a contract extension, and while it was problematic at the time it could be revisited now and would be about what he is going to get in FA.

I think Rondo and the organization are likely being honest with each other. Why would you draft Marcus Smart at 6 and sign Bradley to an 8 mil a year contract if one of those guys is coming off the bench for the next 5 or 6 years because your going to max out Rondo?

I probably would refuse a contract extension @ $15 mil too if I saw a guy like Gortat pull down 5/$60 at age 30. Obviously the C's looking like a lottery team for the foreseeable future plays in that decision too, but I wouldn't read too much into the refusal to extend.

And I agree that it doesn't make a lot of sense to draft a back-up at #6 (or pay a back-up $8 mil per). Though that also makes the earlier Rondo for Bledsoe suggestion a non sequitur.

Smart at #6 makes the most sense as Rondo's replacement in a full rebuild or trade bait in a plus Rondo reload. From Ainge's past eagerness to trade for veteran stars and evident aversion to long-term rebuilds, I think the latter is still Plan A, with the former as a solid back-up plan.

I get that but Rondo isn't 7' tall and 5 for 60 is 12 mil a season. Tony Parker just signed for 3 years and 43 mil. The most another team can give Rondo is like 4 and 70 and I am not saying that isn't a lot more than 3 and 45 but I don't think anyone is giving him the 4 and 70.

Agree on Bledsoe just doesn't make sense.

Like I have said all along I don't think this is a bad blood situation. If all of a sudden Ainge can acquire a veteran all star to pair with Rondo then that changes the facts on the ground. But the problem is right now the most likely all star caliber player to be made available in a trade is Rajon Rondo.

Sad but that's a hard point to argue with.

That's one of the reasons I've been boosting for a Hibbert trade - the only other star allegedly on the market right now.

[Slartibartfast]

These are the facts:

1. Rondo wants to test the FA market
2. Rondo wants to go to a contending team
3. Boston had intended to trade the 6th pick
4. Smart was BPA
5. Smart has to prove himself before roles are established
6. Rondo needs to establish his market value through his play
7. Ainge would like to speed up the rebuild as "Plan A"
8. Ainge sees that 2016 is likely the next "superstar" FA summer
9. Ainge needs to develop his assets to re-gauge the market
10. The team needs 3 All Star caliber player to contend

This is all simple logic. We all know Rondo is somewhat of a dink - a trait not uncommon among star players, yet tedious. The problem is that Boston DOESN'T WANT TO commit big money to Rondo unless they have another piece or two in place beforehand. Greg Monroe aint that guy - neither is anyone who projects into the 2015 FA class.

I know for a fact that they've entertained trade scenarios to see where his value is at. I also know for a fact that they value his salary cap figure MORE than him as a player if they don't have another cornerstone player in place. This season will determine a lot going i to 2015 - their own player's development as well as shifts in the market.

Of course Rondo doesn't want to re-up with a long term rebuild. This "he wants out" comment is a reflection of the power of the English language. Things could change with a Kevin Love level acquisition, but Boston is completely fine having the cap space for 2016 if they can't get a franchise cornerstone. They only keep Rondo if they have that guy i. pocket already.

Rondo is likely gone, but don't expect him to be traded. He is a flight risk at the end of the year and does not have a great reputation around the league. This is likely to carry on to next summer, barring a team like HOU pushing for a title.

For the record, I'd trade him to OKC for Jackson and McGary.

Can't see OKC trading their cheaper talent for Rondo when the fit is really sketchy with Westbrook and they likely wouldn't be willing to spend to retain him.

I like the 2015 FA class better than you seem to though. I think Marc Gasol in particular would be quite the haul - an excellent defender at the 5 who can stroke the mid-range and pass from the high post. Hibbert's not all that popular now but I think he qualifies too. Both these guys have been core pieces on heavy duty playoff teams and they are still in their primes.

[165bows]

These are the facts:

1. Rondo wants to test the FA market
2. Rondo wants to go to a contending team
3. Boston had intended to trade the 6th pick
4. Smart was BPA
5. Smart has to prove himself before roles are established
6. Rondo needs to establish his market value through his play
7. Ainge would like to speed up the rebuild as "Plan A"
8. Ainge sees that 2016 is likely the next "superstar" FA summer
9. Ainge needs to develop his assets to re-gauge the market
10. The team needs 3 All Star caliber player to contend

This is all simple logic. We all know Rondo is somewhat of a dink - a trait not uncommon among star players, yet tedious. The problem is that Boston DOESN'T WANT TO commit big money to Rondo unless they have another piece or two in place beforehand. Greg Monroe aint that guy - neither is anyone who projects into the 2015 FA class.

I know for a fact that they've entertained trade scenarios to see where his value is at. I also know for a fact that they value his salary cap figure MORE than him as a player if they don't have another cornerstone player in place. This season will determine a lot going i to 2015 - their own player's development as well as shifts in the market.

Of course Rondo doesn't want to re-up with a long term rebuild. This "he wants out" comment is a reflection of the power of the English language. Things could change with a Kevin Love level acquisition, but Boston is completely fine having the cap space for 2016 if they can't get a franchise cornerstone. They only keep Rondo if they have that guy i. pocket already.

Rondo is likely gone, but don't expect him to be traded. He is a flight risk at the end of the year and does not have a great reputation around the league. This is likely to carry on to next summer, barring a team like HOU pushing for a title.

For the record, I'd trade him to OKC for Jackson and McGary.

Can't see OKC trading their cheaper talent for Rondo when the fit is really sketchy with Westbrook and they likely wouldn't be willing to spend to retain him.

I like the 2015 FA class better than you seem to though. I think Marc Gasol in particular would be quite the haul - an excellent defender at the 5 who can stroke the mid-range and pass from the high post. Hibbert's not all that popular now but I think he qualifies too. Both these guys have been core pieces on heavy duty playoff teams and they are still in their primes.

Thing about OKC is all of their guys are due for big pay raises in 2-3 years, I really wonder whats going to happen there. To me it looks like a trend, once Perk rolls off the dole it will be three guys pushing up over $60M+ and ten other guys on rookie deals. Not sure if that is sustainable.

[165bows]

New BS report with Zach Lowe about Rondo, no mention of Jackie.

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/grantland/ ... d=11457515

[ConstableGeneva]

New BS report with Zach Lowe about Rondo, no mention of Jackie.

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/grantland/ ... d=11457515

Yep, Simmons believes Rondo's gone before the season.They were trying to find landing spots for Rondo via trade and they just couldn't find something decent. Charlotte (Vonleh, Zeller/MKG, etc.), Houston (Jones, Ariza, NO pick, etc.), Sacramento (McLemore, Williams, unprotected pick, etc.), Phoenix (Bledsoe), Detroit (Monroe) were mentioned I believe. Via free agency, New York and Dallas are their best bets.

[shawn unkempt]

The most interesting part of the podcast is Lowe's belief that we're not interested in paying Rondo's next contract. I'm almost completely convinced he'll be traded at some point this season.

[165bows]

The most interesting part of the podcast is Lowe's belief that we're not interested in paying Rondo's next contract. I'm almost completely convinced he'll be traded at some point this season.

Yeah that echoed what BfB had posted above. Lowe also had similar commentary as Capt. Cave about the number of teams with money next summer compared to the number of quality free agents and that Rondo will be very high on the list (they both seemed to think a very remote chance of M. Gasol moving on).

Though that could actually increase trade value rather than decrease it. If Rondo is in fact going to get paid with a capital P then the team holding his bird rights has an advantage. If there was less FA interest (and lower total salary offered), his Bird Rights would be less valuable.

And I think Simmons is out to lunch on anything happening before the season, Sacramento is the only potential there, might as well wait until more teams can get back in the game like Dallas and Houston as players' trade restrictions fall off.

[CeltsfanSinceBirth]

Might as well do Rondo a solid and trade him to the Knicks, so Ainge can claim that he stole from both New York teams. I don't really feel like putting up with the constant "Where do you want to play next year?" questions, not to mention the constant trade rumors for Rondo.

As mentioned before - the only way Rondo sticks around is if Ainge can pull off some miraculous trade and bring in another franchise player. I don't see anyone being available. Might as well detonate the nuke and start from ground zero.

http://basketball.realgm.com/tradechecker/saved_trade/6508542

Boston trades
Rondo
Wallace
Bogans

Boston receives
Stoudemire
Early
Hardaway JR
Larkin
2018 1st round pick
Option to swap in 2017 and 2019

[CelticFaninLBC]

Charlotte's intriguing, but can't see a trade there, unless they trade for Rondo's buddy, Josh Smith, beforehand...

[CelticFaninLBC]

Boston trades
Rondo
Wallace
Bogans

Boston receives
Stoudemire
Early
Hardaway JR
Larkin
2018 1st round pick
Option to swap in 2017 and 2019

NYK already has Calderone and doesn't have much to offer...

[supermelo]

Rondo career stats infographics enclosed

http://www.fansboard.com/careerStats?player=Rajon-Rondo