The Chicago Bulls viewed their signing of Rajon Rondo in the offseason as a big plus for the organization. With Rondo, the Bulls would be getting a proven and talented point guard, who could play in fast-paced offense. Rondo himself was especially emboldened by joining the Bulls, boldly claiming that Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade and himself would be “the three Alphas” that would lead Chicago to glory. But unfortunately for the Bulls and Rondo, all of that optimism that existed at the start of the season has faded away into turmoil and at times, dysfunction.
Things started off just fine for Rondo. He was starting, accumulating assists at a high rate and the Bulls were winning. However after a few games, it became quite clear that Rondo wasn’t a good fit next to Butler and Wade. His lack of a 3-point shot killed any hopes Chicago had of spacing the floor and Rondo’s propensity to gamble for steals, put great pressure on the Bulls’ defense.
Compounding his poor fit in Chicago, Rondo got in a heated argument with a Bulls assistant coach in December that resulted him in getting a one-game suspension. Shortly after that incident, Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg, seeking to have Chicago get in more of a rhythm on offense, benched Rondo for five straight games. The Bulls went 3-2 in this stretch and Rondo gave a series of damning interviews, where he questioned Hoiberg, his role in Chicago and the reason he was there.
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Rondo’s benching ended after five games mainly because the Bulls were banged up and were lacking available bodies. Now Rondo comes off the bench for the Bulls and is averaging 26.5 minutes, his lowest mark since his rookie season. And overall, Rondo’s numbers (which he takes great pride in), are nearing career-lows. Rondo is averaging 6.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.3 steals a game. He is shooting a career-low 37.2 percent and a dismal 30.3 percent on 3-pointers.
It also appears like Rondo has issues with how Wade and Butler are leading the team. He posted a poignant post on Instagram which essentially called out how Bulter and Wade are acting as veteran leaders. This resulted in a team meeting, where apparently both Wade and Butler agreed with Rondo’s assessment and pledged to do better.
Despite all of this, contrary to his past, Rondo hasn’t pouted about his reduced role. His teammates continually praise his work ethic and Rondo has been very supportive of the younger players on the Bulls. This especially goes for Jerian Grant and Michael Carter-Williams, who have taken the majority of Rondo’s minutes.
Rondo’s professionalism benefits Chicago’s locker room but it also greatly helps his trade value. Chicago reportedly has no plans to buy out Rondo and want to use his contract as a “trade chip.” Rondo has just $3 million of his $13.4 million salary guaranteed next season, so it seems very possible that his tenure in Chicago will be coming to an end very shortly.
The only and main problem for Chicago is who would actually want Rondo? He has been combative with coaches, is a poor shooter, gambles on defense and seeks out assists to boost his own individual numbers, which often causes forced plays on offense. Rondo’s headstrong nature coupled with his waning athleticism simply doesn’t make him a player teams are clamoring to add.
But you never know. If Chicago agrees to take on a long-term salary along with a pick for a team seeking cap relief, perhaps Rondo could be dealt.
The other option is a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers, loaded with veteran talent that wants to boost their bench before the playoffs. The Cavs do need a playmaker off the bench, which LeBron James has loudly and openly advocated for. With his resume Rondo checks off a lot of the boxes on James’ wishlist. Also Cavs coach Tyronn Lue was in assistant in Boston for a number of years when Rondo played for the Celtics. That previous relationship could come in play here, especially since Lue has a great reputation of relating to players and won’t get push around by anyone, including James.
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The reality though, is that the Bulls may not find a willing trade partner for Rondo. His past baggage and poor play this season will likely ward off most teams. But if there is even the slim chance that a team is interested in him, the Bulls need to heavily pursue it as having Rondo remain on the roster is more detrimental than helpful for Chicago.