NBA execs think Rajon Rondo could get a max deal in 2016
By Tom West
Rajon Rondo has been a triple double machine since joining the Sacramento Kings, and some NBA executives think he may even earn a max contract next summer.
It’s early on in the 2015-16 season, but there’s no denying that Rajon Rondo has impressed during his first month with the Sacramento Kings. He has four triple-doubles already while coming within a rebound or two of several more, and has even notched 18+ assists in a game twice, including a 20 dime night on November 23 against the Charlotte Hornets. Not many expected him to have that kind of production and lead the league with 10.7 assists per game, but that’s what’s happening.
Now, that production has impressed some NBA executives enough to make them think he could earn himself a max contract next summer.
As has been reported by Sean Deveney of Sporting News, there’s a good chance that Rondo could get a big pay day as the salary cap shoots up to $90 million for the 2016-17 season:
"“It would not surprise me at all if he winds up with a max deal next summer,” another league executive told Sporting News. “Maybe not for five years, but a three-year deal or something like that. But if he stays healthy, I would expect the money to be around max. But let’s see how the year goes.”"
One executive was slightly more tentative, though:
"“I don’t know whether he will quite get the maximum, mostly because we don’t know what the max is going to be,” one Eastern Conference general manager told Sporting News. “But there is going to be a lot of money on the market and only a handful of players who you would really say are max guys. If Rajon were to keep playing the way he’s been playing, if he is not getting the max next year, it’ll be close.”"
As the first executive argues, Rondo could be worthy of a max in the eyes of the Kings. He’s been a far better fit at taking control of their offense than he was with the Dallas Mavericks, as he can totally dominate the ball while receiving heavy playing time to do so throughout a game. He creates in transition with flashy bounce passes as always, and his creative ability to drive and dish to teammates has been as present as ever. So, while his defense (especially man to man) hasn’t been great, the way he can set up teammates is something the Kings don’t really have with anyone else on their roster to the same extent.
Equally, as the second executive said, he could come close to a max deal simply due to the amount of money being available. His 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and surprising 35.4 percent shooting from three point range are welcome elements of his arrival, but the season is still early. As of right now, he’s not proven enough in what needs to be a major comeback year if he’s going to bag a max deal next summer.
If he can improve his defensive effort and focus to a higher level and maintain his triple double threat throughout the season, Rajon Rondo may actually be a max player in Sacramento when the cap raises. And as it may be hard for the Kings to find a better fit with more talent on the market, he may be worth it to them.