The highly anticipated deal to send All-Star guard Rajon Rondo from the Boston Celtics to the Dallas Mavericks has reportedly been agreed to.
ESPN’s Marc Stein was the first to break down the specifics of the deal.
Rondo, a four-time All-Star who is set to become a free agent this upcoming offseason, goes to a Mavericks team that is now firmly in contention for a conference title moving forward this year.
While Rondo is averaging just over 30 minutes (a career low) and less than nine points per game, he putting up 7.5 rebounds and 10.6 assists per outing. Those are some delicious numbers for a Mavericks squad that already boasts Monta Ellis in what promises to be one of the most electric backcourts in the Association.
Reportedly difficult to deal with at times, a change of scenery could do Rondo some good. It’s been said that he’s wanted out of Boston for some time. And now, going to a contender could be a recipe for success for the All-Star.
Rondo joins what has to be considered one of the best starting units in the NBA. Just imagine him driving and dishing to Dirk Nowitzki and Chandler Parsons. That’s all sorts of sexy.
As it relates to a return for the Celtics, they nab an important first-round pick from Dallas as a well as a stopgap option at point guard in the form of Jameer Nelson, who is among the most underrated players in the Association. The deal will also reportedly send former lottery pick Brandan Wright and 2012 second-round pick Jae Crowder to the Celtics.
Wright was averaging 8.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in a reserve role for the Mavericks. He’s never really lived up to expectations after the then Charlotte Bobcats made him the No. 8 overall pick from North Carolina back in 2007. Charlotte immediately traded Wright to the Golden State Warriors for Jason Richardson.
Nelson, a former All-Star himself, was in his first season with Dallas prior to this deal. He was averaging 7.3 points and 4.1 assists per outing.
Indications are that Rondo has told the Mavericks that he’s willing to sign a long-term deal with the club in the offseason. That had to be one of the primary reasons that Mark Cuban and Co. pulled the trigger here.
Photo: Fox Sports