KEY POINTS

  • The Grizzlies are unlikely to keep Rajon Rondo due to his $8 million salary
  • Rondo returning to the Lakers on a minimum salary could make sense
  • The Grizzlies are expected to trim down their roster

Rajon Rondo is currently with the Memphis Grizzlies, but the chances of him playing there do not look promising.

Memphis has 19 players under contract and is expected to trim that down soon. Unfortunately, the 35-year-old may likely be one of them.

This was revealed by Drew Hill of the Daily Memphian, suggesting that Rondo holds low chances of suiting up for the Grizzlies this 2020-21 NBA season.

A trade is possible, but the fact the two-time NBA champion carries an $8 million hints that only a few teams may have the cap flexibility to take him in.

Some pundits question if Rondo is worth that much money. Pundits feel that he is at best worth the veteran’s minimum.

But the only way that can happen is if the Grizzlies end up buying out the four-time All-Star.

Although Rondo did not exactly have a good outing last year with the Los Angeles Clippers, his experience remains valuable.

So if a buyout does happen, expect several teams to sit down with Rondo, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors.

As far as the Lakers and Nets are concerned, everyone is aware that these are two teams who are tight financially. Both clubs can only offer the veteran’s minimum, perhaps the only option of Rondo for the coming season if he plans to continue playing.

A reunion with the Lakers or Nets would make sense as well. At his age, Rondo could opt for the next best thing in this stage of his career–a third NBA ring.

Rajon Rondo #4 of the LA Clippers
Rajon Rondo #4 of the LA Clippers Getty Images | Christian Petersen

The Lakers may have the inside track considering Rondo was part of the NBA title run in the 2019-20 season. His familiarity with head coach Frank Vogel, LeBron James and Anthony Davis may also factor in, giving purple and gold fans a reason to raise expectations.