Here are the Rondo $ numbers being negotiated

[Wolves2011]

If Rondo and his Agent insisted 60M+. Then Ainge should wait for next season. Not likely there are team to pay higher than that next year and Ainge could easily match 60M contract if he want.

I'm hoping he signs for $11 million or less. But even if we had to pay $60 million, its still far less than the Max, which is around $80 million. I seen about 10 quotes from prominent NBA analysts who all say Rondo is one of the top prospects next summer. I've seen some say he as high as3rd, 4th, 5th etc. If Lebron, Wade, Bosch all resign the their teams, all of the free agent money is going somewhere. Those analysts say he is likely to get offered between $65 million and $80 million.

I've seen no prominent NBA analyst who has said, Rondo will be "left on the vine" like Davis. So either we pay less now, or pay more next summer, or maybe even worse, we let Rondo go with no compensation next summer and no way to replace him with just the MLE.

By the way, I don't want to have a long debate about Rondo's value. I did that for a week. If you want to read that debate look at all the Rondo strings active in the last week. I'm just telling you what prominent NBA analysts are saying, Rondo will get "big offers" next summer, so Celtics are better off locking him up now.

I'm still hoping for maybe $10.5 million or up to $11 million based on what Maxwell said, Rondo told him. But even if it has to be $12 million, its probably the best alternative for the Celtics.

If we really don't think Rondo is worth that much [I do think he is worth that much and would happily pay it if I had to.], the only other option is to offer Rondo MORE for a shorter term. See if he is interested in $13 million a year but only for 3 years. He is getting more per year, so Rondo gets something. We link Rondo's contract term to the longest of the Big 3. In 3 years Rondo can test the market again and the Celtics can get out from under what they consider an onerous contract. [I personally would rather sign him for as long as possible.]

[canman1971]

If Rondo and his Agent insisted 60M+. Then Ainge should wait for next season. Not likely there are team to pay higher than that next year and Ainge could easily match 60M contract if he want.

I've seen no prominent NBA analyst who has said, Rondo will be "left on the vine" like Davis. So either we pay less now, or pay more next summer, or maybe even worse, we let Rondo go with no compensation next summer and no way to replace him with just the MLE.

By the way, I don't want to have a long debate about Rondo's value. I did that for a week. If you want to read that debate look at all the Rondo strings active in the last week. I'm just telling you what prominent NBA analysts are saying, Rondo will get "big offers" next summer, so Celtics are better off locking him up now.
]

This is the difference between you and most of the posters on here. We believe we know more than these so-called "prominent NBA analysts". They are tabloid journalists who like to say stuff to hear themselves talk. They are morons. They don't think about the "restricted" tag and even look back at why Davis didn't get ONE offer sheet. They are not going to tie up their money wondering if Ainge will match. Sometimes I wish people would just think for themselves for once.

[Bluewhale]

Yes. In addition, 5 year 60M is also BIG offer. Remember no one said MAX offer. Beware the difference.

[Wolves2011]

If Rondo and his Agent insisted 60M+. Then Ainge should wait for next season. Not likely there are team to pay higher than that next year and Ainge could easily match 60M contract if he want.

I've seen no prominent NBA analyst who has said, Rondo will be "left on the vine" like Davis. So either we pay less now, or pay more next summer, or maybe even worse, we let Rondo go with no compensation next summer and no way to replace him with just the MLE.

By the way, I don't want to have a long debate about Rondo's value. I did that for a week. If you want to read that debate look at all the Rondo strings active in the last week. I'm just telling you what prominent NBA analysts are saying, Rondo will get "big offers" next summer, so Celtics are better off locking him up now.
]

This is the difference between you and most of the posters on here. We believe we know more than these so-called "prominent NBA analysts". They are tabloid journalists who like to say stuff to hear themselves talk. They are morons. They don't think about the "restricted" tag and even look back at why Davis didn't get ONE offer sheet. They are not going to tie up their money wondering if Ainge will match. Sometimes I wish people would just think for themselves for once.

I DON'T have insider information, maybe you do.

When guys like Spears who is very locked into the NBA and talks to everyone and Bob Ryan and others at ESPN, etc, etc, who are again talk to everyone are ALL are saying the same thing, I tend to listen. Normally some analysts point one way and others point the other way. They like to create controversy with each other. Thats not happening.

They say there is a TON of money available next summer. Many say Rondo could be at or near the TOP of the list if guys like Lebron, Wade and Bosch resign with their home teams. Rondo will also be BY FAR, the top ranked PG available - there is really no other option in free agency. The salary range Ainge and Duffy (Rondo's agent) are discussing is somewhere between $45 m and $60 m, according to press reports. The highest possible offer Rondo could get would be in the $80 m range. If we don't sign Rondo because we are quibbling over $5 million and someone offers say $70 million next summer, we will feel foolish. If if we think, $70 million is too much we lose Rondo with NO COMPENSATION!

If Ainge doesn't want to pay, the last arrow in his quiver is a sign and trade. If it helps Rondo go to a team of Rondo's choosing that could work. But if Ainge is trying to send Rondo somewhere that he doesn't want to go, Rondo can CHILL that deal. Duffy just tells the new team that Rondo will demand a trade. No teams wants their NEW STAR PLAYER, the face of their franchise saying they want a trade. If Rondo gets to free agency he is in the drivers seat - at least thats my opinion.

[cloverleaf]

This deal has all the signs of getting done.

Five for $52.5M sounds about right, and I presume all those in the know knew the real deadline wasn't until November 2 anyway, so I think the timing is right on track.