The Memphis Grizzlies made an interesting trade in the latter portion of free agency that involved several solid point guards.
Memphis sent Eric Bledsoe, who they had recently acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans, to the L.A. Clippers for Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo and young center Daniel Oturu.
The Grizzlies quickly rerouted Beverley to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a package that included former No. 6 overall pick Jarrett Culver, but what happens with Rondo is a question on the minds of the many.
Ja Morant and De’Anthony Melton have led the fort as the two point guards on the roster, Tyus Jones also played a key role off the bench as a facilitator when Morant sat.
It’s difficult to see where Rondo fits in the equation of an extremely young roster, so a buyout shouldn’t be overlooked.
Rondo never quite fit in with the Clippers last season as they would’ve hoped, but a recent former team would welcome his return.
According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, if Rondo is bought out, the Lakers will be lining up for him:
“Of all the buyout candidates you’ve mentioned, Rondo is probably the strongest candidate to end up back with the Lakers. If he gets bought out, he goes right back to the Lakers.”
Rondo played for the Lakers in 2019-20 and played a crucial role as a facilitator who relieved the pressure off of LeBron James and Anthony Davis during their title run.
Los Angeles is looking for that exact type of point guard with one of their remaining roster spots, which could be why L.A. isn’t in a rush to sign anyone immediately. Names like Isaiah Thomas, Darren Collison and Mike James have emerged, but Rondo would be a seamless addition.
The situation for the 35-year-old guard is definitely one to keep tabs on.