Boston Celtics star Rajon Rondo reportedly doesn't plan to sign a contract extension, which makes it unlikely any team will trade for him this season. With all signs pointing to Rondo hitting the free agent market in 2015, the New York Knicks are likely to become a top contender for the All-Star point guard.
Rondo, the constant subject of trade rumors, reportedly wants to explore free agency next summer.
"While the Celtics are trying to figure out ways to clear roster space before training camp, moving Rondo is not a high priority," Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe wrote Sunday. "First off, Rondo will be a free agent next summer and fully intends on taking the LeBron James-Carmelo Anthony tour of teams and extending the negotiation process deep into next summer. It is highly unlikely Rondo would sign an extension this season with an interested team, especially the Sacramento Kings."
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Teams won't mortgage their future to rent Rondo for one year, so any potential trade would have to include the wink-and-the-nod from Rondo that he would re-sign with the team. By becoming a free agent, Rondo can choose where he plays.
Rondo won't be short of suitors as a free agent, and the Knicks are expected to be one of the frontrunners. New York has been interested in Rondo for some time, and with both a big market and the cap space to sign Rondo to a max-deal next summer, has a legitimate shot at luring him to the Big Apple under a Phil Jackson-built team.
Other teams purportedly interested in Rondo are the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets, Sacramento and likely the Dallas Mavericks.
