Rajon Rondo's time in Dallas could end sooner than expected after a disappointing on-court performance and recent clashes with coach Rick Carlisle.
Rajon Rondo's turn as a Dallas Maverick could come to an end after this season, according to ESPN Dallas' Tim McMahon. In a recent article, McMahon says it's "extremely unlikely" Rondo will be in Dallas next season.
The rumor comes following an incident in which Rondo and coach Rick Carlisle got into a shouting match after the former Celtics point guard ignored a play call. The friction comes from Carlisle not feeling ready to give Rondo the keys to the offense, choosing instead to exert more control on what sets the team runs.
The Mavericks and Rondo seemed like a good match at the time they traded for him, as they were one of the few contenders who was in need of an upgrade at lead guard and Rondo wasn't happy playing for the rebuilding Celtics. Now it seems the partnership could be short-lived.
Why the rumor makes sense
Rondo will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career this summer (he signed an extension with the Celtics before his rookie contract expired). Even before the recent blowout with Carlisle, there was always a chance a better opportunity presented itself, allowing Rondo the option of leaving if the fit wasn't ideal or the Mavericks failed to contend. Rondo was content with staying with the Celtics until his contract expired and at no point suggested he was going to sign an extension with his new team.
Known for his volatile personality, Rondo may not quickly move past the incident and Carlisle likely won't cede control of the team just because there was a public blowout. The two might simply be incompatible as a coach-star combo, and the Mavericks have strong enough personalities that any attempts by the locker room leaders to reconcile them might fall in deaf ears.
If the Mavericks start winning, the situation might be patched up for the stretch run, as it would benefit both parties to get along so the Mavericks can get to the playoffs in a good position to make a long run. If the losses start to pile up, however, things could escalate to the point where Rondo's role could be severely reduced.
For all the excitement following Rondo's acquisition, the results have not been there. The improvement he brought on the defensive end has not been enough to offset the decline in the Mavericks' offense. The team has gone 16-9 after acquiring him and his individual numbers aren't particularly impressive. Even if Rondo wants to return, the Mavericks might not be all too eager to bring him back on a high salary.
Why the rumor doesn't make sense
Simply put, both parties would benefit greatly from their partnership going well this season. A good showing in the playoffs would considerably up Rondo's stock around the league, and the Mavericks need to advance past the first round for their first time since their championship year. If the season does go well, there's noreason why any disagreements couldn't be solved for good with time. Carlisle famously clashed with Jason Kidd when he first joined the Mavericks, only to end up having a long and amiable relationship.
The Mavericks were the team that valued Rondo the most this season, trading two rotation players and two draft picks to acquire him at a time in which there weren't many suitors.
"Obviously, we wouldn't give up picks if we didn't think it was long term," Mark Cuban said after the transaction. ''We're past the days of rent-a-player. We want him to be here for a long time and we want to earn his desire to stay here."
It's possible Rondo doesn't find as many options as he's hoping to in free agency, as the point guard position is teeming with talent and he hasn't been truly relevant for a while. Unless the relationship with Carlisle is beyond saving, the Mavericks might be his best shot at landing one last big contract.
Asides from the financial aspect, the Mavericks have Dirk Nowitzki, Tyson Chandler and Monta Ellis, a very solid core that should keep them in the playoffs for the next few years and can handle an uncomfortable situation in the locker room. There are not a lot of good teams that need a floor general. Rondo clearly wasn't happy playing for a rebuilding team, which means there is enough motivation for him to stay in Dallas, even if his relationship with the coach is not ideal.
Likelihood of happening
It doesn't look like Rondo in Dallas is working out as expected, given his on-court performance and now with his clashes with Carlisle. There's always the possibility that their relationship improves as Carlisle starts trusting his point guard, because it would be in everyone's best interest to patch things up. But right now, it seems improbable.
7 out of 10.
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