KEY POINTS

  • Rajon Rondo could be shipped to another team after the Patrick Beverly trade
  • Beverley may have the security of tenure with the Timberwolves
  • Rondo could reunite with the Lakers if bought out by the Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies hardly surprised many when they traded Patrick Beverly to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

However, it does send feelers that another veteran guard in Rajon Rondo could be next.

The Grizzlies sent Beverly to the Timberwolves in exchange for Jarret Culver and Juancho Hernangomez, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN citing sources.

This came just days after the 33-year-old guard was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to Memphis.

Dealing off Beverley was highly anticipated since he did not seem to be a fit with the Grizzlies. Memphis already has 16 players on guaranteed contracts.

Jerami Grant #9 of the Denver Nuggets drives the ball against Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers
Jerami Grant #9 of the Denver Nuggets drives the ball against Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers Getty Images | Douglas P. DeFelice

Given that Beverley owned a $14.3 million expiring contract, a trade made more sense for Memphis.

But worth noting is that since he was dealt by the Clippers, he has been shipped from one bad-performing team to another.

It remains to be seen if Minnesota will be his last stop. A buyout or another trade could happen anew unless the T-Wolves opt to retain him for the 2021-22 season.

Now, the attention shifts to Rondo, a player the Grizzlies could be cutting ties with soon.

A buyout could happen since the two-time champion is also on an expiring deal worth $7.5 million.

Should a Rondo buyout happen, it could pave the way for stacked teams to consider the four-time All-Star.

At the top of the list could be the Los Angeles Lakers, the same team where he won his last NBA title.

Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers Getty Images | Mike Ehrmann

Given that Rondo may not have many options, signing a minimum deal with the Lakers could make sense.

Although he is already 35 years old, his familiarity with the system of head coach Frank Vogel could give him an edge.

The Lakers have some roster spots open although adding Rondo will only add more criticism to the franchise’s aging roster.

There are other teams as well like the Brooklyn Nets who may take interest in Rondo, assuming he is bought out.

For now, he is with the Grizzlies. However, all that could change in the coming days.

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