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The Trade
After 8 years of playing the point for the Boston Celtics, Rajon Rondo will now move to the West to play as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks and Celtics made the huge blockbuster trade official late on Thursday night with an announcement.
Rondo will join Chandler Parsons, Monta Ellis, Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler in the starting line-up for the Mavericks in exchange for forwards Brandon Wright, Jae Crowder and point guard Jameer Nelson along with a couple of draft picks - a conditional one in 2015 and a second rounder in 2016. They will also get a $12.3 million trade exception. Dallas also receives forward Dwight Powell along with Rondo.
Rondo’s new team will also acquire his final year contract which will make him a free agent this summer. However, sources believe Dallas is confident it can keep Rondo with them for the long run. Before finalizing this deal, there were numerous reports of the Celtics in talks with Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks about shipping Rondo.
Trade helps both teams
Considering the fact that Rondo had made it clear that he would test free agency this summer, this move helps the C’s continue their ongoing successful rebuilding process without any speed bumps. Under young Head Coach Brad Stevens, the team can now get back to focusing on player develpoment and creating a system that can bring championships back to Boston.The trade allows rookie Marcus Smart, who was drafted sixth overall by the C’s to take over the role of floor general after he recovers fully from his injury.
Celtics strengthen their front court with the addition of Brandond Wright who averages 8.8 points, 4.1 rebounds in about 19 minutes of playing time. He is also among the league leaders in field goal percentage.
On the other hand for the Mavericks, the addition of Rondo helps make their hopes of a championship more realistic. Coming into Dallas with his averages of 8.3 points and a league best 10.6 assists, Rondo’s aggresive play addresses the team’s point guard concerns. The three guards for the team-Jameer Nelson, Devin Harris and J.J. Barea are dead last in the league in points per game and field goal percentage, and 28th in assists per game.
Boston thankful
"We would like to thank Rajon for everything that he has done for the Celtics organization and the success we have experienced during his tenure with us," -Danny Ainge, Celtics president of basketball operations for the Celtics
"We would not have won Banner 17 without Rajon and will always consider him one of our most valuable Celtics.We will always cherish the time he was here.”-Joint Statement by the owners of the Boston franchise.
Meanwhile Mavs owner Mark Cuban welcomed the All-Star point guard on the social media application Cyber Dust "Welcome to Rajon Rondo the newest member of the Dallas Mavericks.” and thanked the three outgoing players saying that they are amazing players and better people.
Rondo reacts
Rajon Rondo took to twitter to react to the trade:
Guess the Lakers players!
