On January 1, Beijing time, according to ESPN, the Lakers and Cavaliers officially reached a 1-for-1 deal. The Lakers sent Rondo away and got Valentine of the Cavaliers. The Lakers will cut part of Valentine's guaranteed contract, free up a lineup position and save on luxury taxes while getting a $1.7 million deal exception. The Cavaliers also became Rondo's ninth NBA team to play for.
The Cavaliers, missing Rubio, are on the rise, and Rondo is eager to play a bigger role in the Cavaliers. Ever since the deal was put in front of him yesterday, Rondo has been very positive. In other words, Rondo himself liked the deal. So far this season, Rondo has averaged 16.1 minutes per game, contributing 3.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3,7 assists and 0.7 steals; Valentine has averaged 9.3 minutes per game, contributing 2.9 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.5 assists.
For the Cavaliers, the deal eased the point guard crisis, after Sexton and Rubio had both been reimbursed for the season, and they didn't have to worry about the luxury tax, and before the deal, the Cavaliers were $3.1 million away from the luxury tax trigger line, and after the deal, they were $3.4 million away from the luxury tax line, farther.
So far in his career, Rondo has averaged 9.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 8 assists per game, won the championship twice, was selected to the best defensive team four times, was selected to the best team once, was selected as an All-Star four times, became an assist king three times, and became a steal king once.
From the Lakers' point of view, they have gained 3 major positives in this deal -
1. Free up a spot to sign Stanley Johnson
After Joining the Lakers in 10 days, Stanley Johnson averaged 7.7 points and 3 rebounds per game, playing well, especially on the defensive end, which made the coaching staff very satisfied. At present, there are no players in the Lakers who are still in quarantine, which means that they cannot continue to use difficult exceptions. To keep Johnson, the Lakers must vacate a spot. Sending Rondo in exchange for Valentine, and then cutting Valentine, can let the Lakers get such a place.
2. Save on luxury taxes
Expert John Hollinger made a calculation for the Lakers. If Rondo were to be cut directly and sign Johnson to the end of the season, it would require an increase of $5.9 million in luxury taxes, which would be a $6.8 million bill if Johnson's salary is included. Exchanging Rondo for a player whose contract was partially secure (Valentine) and then immediately cutting him would save about half the money on this bill. Valentine's contract guarantee part is 847072 DOLLARs, and after laying him off, the Lakers can eventually save about $3.1 million in luxury taxes.
3. Get trading exceptions
The Lakers will receive a $1.7 million deal exception, which is not a large amount but can also be useful in future deals. After the Lakers send away Rondo, new transactions are expected to occur, and this special case can become one of the chips. Hollinger recently reported that the Lakers' trading needs are guards who can play without the ball, how will Pelinka operate next? Let's wait and see.