NBA Free Agency: 3 possible destinations for Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo joined the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, signing a one year $9 million deal. His arrival came during a period in which the team signed a number of notable veterans to surround the recently acquired LeBron James, and Rondo was given a much bigger salary than the likes of JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson, and Michael Beasley.

This signalled that Rondo would play a major role in the Lakers push to return to the playoffs, however, the veteran playmaker has struggled to dislodge Lonzo Ball as Luke Walton's first choice point guard, and the Lakers have also fallen well short in their quest for the postseason.

After this season's veteran experiment failed so spectacularly, the Lakers will be looking to refresh the roster this summer, and Rondo and his $9 million contract are likely to be among the first casualties. Due to this, Rondo will be on the lookout for a new team, and here are three possible destinations.

#3 Miami Heat

Wade will retire at the end of the season

After years of fielding one of the oldest teams in the NBA, the Miami Heat have increasingly turned towards youth over the last few months. The transition towards younger players has resulted in a late playoff push, although the team still relies heavily on Dwyane Wade's impact from the bench.

After a storied career, the 37-year-old guard is set to retire at the end of the season, and if bought in, Rondo could provide a similar impact in a veteran role. Miami's lack of depth at point guard also makes Rondo an attractive option, as his addition would allow Josh Richardson to return to his favoured position on the wing. Ultimately, the Heat won't have a lot of options during the postseason, and the team should give serious consideration to bringing the veteran on board.

#2 Boston Celtics

Rondo spent nearly a decade with the Boston Celtics

At the time of writing, the Boston Celtics are currently set when it comes to options at point guard. With Kyrie Irving, the team has one of the best playmakers in the NBA, while Terry Rozier is also an extremely promising prospect. However, both Irving and Rozier have been heavily been linked with a summer departure, and it is possible that they could both exit the team ahead of the 19/20 season.

Rondo's career is mostly defined by his successful spell with the Celtics between 2006 and 2014, during which he helped Boston win the 2008 NBA Finals. Rondo is believed to still be on good terms with the organization, and there is no doubting that he could at least contribute as a back-up point guard for the team. He may have to accept a minimum-deal, however, it appears that a route back to Boston is possible.

#1 New Orleans Pelicans

Rondo spent 12 months with the New Orleans Pelicans

Before joining the Lakers last summer, Rondo spent the 17/18 season with the New Orleans Pelicans. Rondo was signed to a one-year $3.3 million contract, and despite only spending 12 months in NOLA, the veteran point guard made a big impact.

Rondo performed well as a starter during 65 regular season games, including setting a career-high 25 assists against the Brooklyn Nets. He also stepped up during the Pelicans' 2018 postseason run, playing a huge role in the teams surprise first-round sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers. Rondo's performances led to the Pelicans offering him a new two-year contract, although he was ultimately lured to LA by the prospect of playing alongside LeBron James.

Since Rondo's departure, New Orleans has failed to replace his production from last year, and Rondo himself is likely to be interested in a summer reunion. Just like with Boston, he may have to take a major pay cut, however, the Pelicans are likely to give him a starting berth.