Should the Bulls pick up Rajon Rondo’s team option this summer?
The Chicago Bulls will have the option to pick up Rajon Rondo’s contract this summer. After everything that’s happened this season, should they do it?
For Rajon Rondo, the 2016-17 NBA season has been a roller coaster.
The year began seemingly optimistic, when the Bulls and their “Three Alphas” scheme had initial success and strong team chemistry.
After a happy beginning, however, things began to take a downward turn.
It started off with Rondo getting suspended for one game during December due to “conduct detrimental to the team.” More specifically, there was a heated exchange on the sidelines during a game against the Dallas Mavericks between Rondo and assistant head coach Jim Boylen.
Things only got worse, though, when in mid-January, Rondo decided to call out fellow teammates Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler. It occurred with an unexpected Instagram post following comments from Wade and Butler placing blame on the younger players for recent struggles.
As a result, the Bulls supposedly strongly considered cutting Rondo and although they never ended up doing that, his spot in the rotation was lowered for a considerable amount of time.
Fast forward a few months, and with the playoffs just around the corner, Rondo suddenly began playing phenomenal basketball. He was doing everything the front office originally wanted when they signed him: pushing the pace, running the offense and getting everyone involved.
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As the playoffs began, nobody really expected the Bulls to compete with the top-seeded Boston Celtics. Yet, the resurgence of Rondo helped Chicago steal both games in Boston, giving them a 2-0 lead in the series.
In the two games he played, Rondo averaged 11.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 10 assists and 3.5 steals per game. Simply put, he was leading the Bulls and causing havoc on both ends of the floor.
Then, just as unexpected as Rondo’s return to playing great came the news that he was “out indefinitely” with a fractured right thumb.
In the following two games without Rondo, the Bulls lost both times and the point guards who filled in for him (Michael Carter-Williams and Jerian Grant) played like garbage.
All of this brings us back to the question that, although crazy-sounding two months ago, now is perfectly reasonable: should the Bulls bring back Rondo for next season?
The answer is that it depends on what direction the Bulls wish to take.
Should the Bulls decide to blow things up, a.k.a. trade Butler and get Wade to opt out, then there’s no reason for Rondo to stay. That would simply take minutes away from the Bulls’ new young core (who’ll likely be tanking and needing a lot of time to develop).
However, if the Bulls management decides to shoot for playoff contention again (and this is the more likely option), then Chicago would be best holding onto Rondo.
Although he comes with baggage, Rondo is the only true point guard on the Bulls roster and his overall talent far exceeds that of any other reserves. Additionally, the $13.4 million Chicago would be paying him is not really too expensive considering other point guards such as Jeff Teague may be reaping in $18M+ this offseason.
Whatever the Bulls decide to do, the decision needs to be made before June 30. If Chicago decides to cut him, then they only lose $3 million compared to the full $13.4 million if they wait until after.
Next: Bulls vs. Celtics Game 4: 3 takeaways from the 105-94 loss that tied the series
Rondo averaged 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game for Chicago this season. Will there be a second season with the Bulls for him?