Rajon Rondo
The Bulls should seriously consider keeping Rondo around, but they decided to go in a different direction on Friday with the release of Rondo (and Isaiah Canaan).
Before Rondo officially became a free agent, his $13.4 million salary wasn’t fully guaranteed. What that would’ve meant is, if the Bulls were so inclined, they could buy him out for $3 million, which is what they’re going to do. Any decisions on Rondo needed to be made ASAP and with the deadline arriving on Friday, they made the move they felt necessary to make.
Although Rondo has had his ups and downs with the Bulls, he’s an experienced veteran with a proven pedigree. He’s not afraid to call the young guys out and is a great distributor of the ball, capable of getting guys easy looks.
I think the young Bulls could’ve benefited from some veteran leadership at the point guard position. Kris Dunn hasn’t proven he’s ready to be a starter yet and Jerian Grant and Cameron Payne are even further down the depth chart.
If Rondo would’ve played well enough that he actually affected Chicago’s ability to tank, then he could make a nice trade piece for a contender looking for playmaking. Of course this would all be contingent on Rondo agreeing to come back in a backup/mentoring role, which basically doesn’t matter now.