On January 4, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season continued. Earlier today, the Lakers, Knicks, and Cavaliers officially announced that a tripartite deal for Rondo had been completed.
The details of this transaction are as follows:
Cavaliers get: Rondo;
The Lakers were awarded the right to sign Luis Raberry (2014 57th overall).
The Knicks received: Valentine, Brad Newley (2007 54th overall pick), Wang Zhelin (2016 57th pick) and some cash from the Lakers.
Rondo will wear the No. 1 jersey after joining the Cavaliers, and the reason why the Cavaliers want to make this deal is related to the team's point guard Rubio's injury season reimbursement, they hope to be able to supplement the depth of the backcourt, so they target Rondo. Rondo' side, on the other hand, has not been given more opportunities this season, and he is eager to get a chance to play a more important role in the Cavaliers. Rondo's attitude towards the deal was reportedly "positive."
Let's look at the Lakers side. With the Knicks joining the deal, the Lakers saved money on salaries they would otherwise pay Valentine, as well as a luxury tax totaling about $4 million, and got a vacant spot. Coach Vogel said in an interview: "Rondo means a lot to me, he is one of the favorite players I have coached. ”
As the main body of the deal, Rondo has made 18 appearances for the Lakers this season, averaging 16.1 minutes per game, scoring 3.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists, shooting 32.4% from the field and 26.7% from three-point range. So far in his career, the 35-year-old Rondo has won 3 assist kings, 4 All-Stars, 1 NBA steal king, 2 best defensive team 1 team, 2 best team 3 teams, twice won the NBA championship, and the Cavaliers will become the 9th team Rondo has played for.
In order to complete the three-way deal, the Knicks deliberately cut guard Wayne Selden, who played in three games for the Knicks this season, averaging 1.7 points, 0.3 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game. Meanwhile, the Knicks will make a decision today.